1,3-Butadiene is a colorless gas that is primarily used in the production of synthetic rubber and plastics. It is an important building block in the manufacture of materials like styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene, which are widely used in tires and other rubber products. This compound is produced from petroleum and natural gas through various chemical processes. While it is useful in industry, 1,3-butadiene is also considered a hazardous air pollutant due to its potential health risks, including links to cancer and respiratory issues upon prolonged exposure.