Laserfiche WebLink
I.WW <br /> PETROCHEMICALS OF CONCERN <br /> Health Effects: <br /> Potential effects of any exposure are dependant on several <br /> factors such as: toxicity of substance, timeframe of exposure, <br /> concentration of substance producing the exposure, general health <br /> of person-exposed, and individual use of hazard reduction <br /> methods. <br /> Gasoline <br /> Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and additives. <br /> Chronic exposures or exposures to a high concentration of <br /> gasoline vapor may cause unconsciousness, coma and possibly death <br /> from respiratory failure. Exposure to low concentrations of <br /> gasoline vapor may produce flushing of the face, slurred speech, <br /> and mental confusion (see chart of properties, page 21 for <br /> further explanation) . <br /> Gasoline constituents can be divided into five major groups: <br /> alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkenes, aromatics, and additives. The <br /> aromatics are the constituents generally regarded to be of the <br /> greatest toxic concern. The major aromatics in gasoline are <br /> benzene, toluene, and xylene. Of these, benzene is considered to <br /> be the most potent. All of these chemicals can also irritate the <br /> skin if repeated or prolonged skin exposure occurs. <br /> Benzene <br /> Benzene can the body through inhalation, ingestion, and <br /> skin contact. Studies have noted that chronic exposure to <br /> benzene vapor can produce neurotoxic and hemopoietic (blood <br /> system) effects. Other effects can include headache, dizziness, <br /> nausea, convulsions, coma, and possible death if exposure is not <br /> reversed. The most significant chronic effect of benzene is bone <br /> marrow toxicity. Although the cause-effect relationship is not <br /> fully understood, it is believed that there might be a strong <br /> association between chronic exposures to benzene and the <br /> development of leukemia. <br /> 19 <br />