The term petrochemicals represents a large group of chemicals manufactured from petrole
and natural gas as distinct from fuels and other products that are also derived from petroleum and natural gas by a variety of processes and used for a variety of commercial purposes. Petrochemical products include such items as plastics, soaps and detergents, solvents, drugs, fertilizers, pesticides, explosives, synthetic fibers and rubbers, paints, epoxy resins, and flooring and insulating materials.