Sources and Potential Exposure

• Workers in certain industries may be occupationally exposed to quinoline by inhalation, ingestion of particulates, or dermal contact. 

• A potential source of very low exposure to quinoline includes the inhalation of ambient air contaminated by emissions from petroleum refining, coal mining, quenching and coking, and release in shale oil, synthetic coal conversi3on wastewaters, and wood preservative wastewaters. Levels of 2-7 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m ) have been measured in ambient air. However, quinoline breaks down quickly in air. 

• Quinoline is found at higher levels in cigarette smoke (1-20 µg/cigarette). 

• Underground coal gasification has been a source of quinoline contamination of groundwater. Individuals may be exposed by consumption of contaminated water. However, quinoline breaks down quickly in water.