NTP Research Concept: Sulfolane

Recently sulfolane has been detected in well water within the town of North Pole, Alaska. A plume was identified in groundwater, originating from a petroleum refinery, and the highest concentration measured in wells outside the refinery was 269 ppb as of January 2011. Due to the contamination, residents were being provided bottled water for use and additional wells were created outside the plume area. Sulfolane contamination has also been identified within Canada in areas near sites of natural gas or petroleum refining and may be present as a groundwater contaminant near other sites of refining around the county. A few studies have demonstrated the uptake of sulfolane into vegetation at contaminated sites. In an occupational setting, inhalation and dermal contact could be the primary route(s) of exposure.