Science Common Sense

651 - What are petrochemicals, and what products do they make?

Petrochemicals are chemicals made from oil and natural gas. They're like the building blocks for lots of everyday products.

Imagine your favorite toys, clothes, and even some of the things in your home – many of them are made from petrochemicals. Here are some examples:

• Plastics: toys, bottles, and bags
• Clothes: nylon and polyester fabrics
• Paints and glues
• Food packaging
• Even the soles of your shoes
• Lots of cleaning products

Petrochemicals are used to create these products, and that's why they're an important part of our lives.