BTEX Contamination of Soil and Water

LA Testing offers testing solutions to detect BTEX problems.

Los Alamitos, CA

BTEX is an acronym for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. They are all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in petroleum hydrocarbons. Contamination of soil and groundwater from BTEX has occurred at petroleum and natural gas production areas, gas stations and areas with underground and above-ground storage tanks of petroleum products. The compounds are also produced in large scale by industry for industrial use as solvents and for manufacturing materials such as plastics and pesticides.

All four VOCs can cause significant health effects. Benzene is a colorless liquid that readily evaporates into the air or can dissolve in water. Exposure to benzene can cause dizziness, unconsciousness and can lead to anemia and leukemia. Toluene is also a colorless liquid that is found in crude oil and from the gasoline manufacturing process, it is reported to damage the nervous system.

Exposure to ethylbenzene can cause eye and throat irritation and dizziness. Animal studies have shown exposure can cause hearing damage and kidney damage in test animals. High levels of exposure to xylene, for short or long periods, can cause dizziness, confusion, balance problems and headaches. It has also been shown to cause eye and respiratory problems and possible changes to the liver and kidneys.

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical and a leading environmental testing laboratory, has been offering testing solutions for BTEX and other VOCs to help protect people and the environment. The company provides a complete suite of testing methods including TO-15, NIOSH 1500/1501 and OSHA 07.

“Contamination from BTEX compounds is all too familiar around locations with petroleum products,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “LA Testing has the technical resources and expertise to help environmental health and safety professionals test for these dangerous compounds,” Sublasky continued.

To learn more about BTEX and other VOC testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail