Coal Tar, Crude Oil, and Derived Products

Abstract

Naturally occurring petroleum ranges in physical state from liquids to solids. Petroleum, its refining streams, and petroleum‐derived products are comprised of chemical compounds that can number in the thousands and that can vary in chemical composition due to variation in both source material and refining processes. As such, petroleum substances are Substances of Unknown or Variable Composition, Complex Reaction Products, and Biological Materials, also known as UVCBs. Petroleum and its distillates have been divided into categories in the United States and European Union based on refining processes. These categories have been used as an organization point for hazard characterization by regulatory authorities in the United States and European Union. This chapter describes the production, physicochemical properties, exposure, and hazards for petroleum, petroleum streams, and petroleum‐derived products. For substances for which chemical constituents have been identified that are key drivers of hazard (e.g., benzo[ a ]pyrene), these constituents are discussed. Additionally, for some substances, information is provided on regulatory and/or advisory hazard classifications, status regarding Harmonised Classification and Labelling, or recommended exposure limits from regulatory authorities.