Laserfiche WebLink
enhanced by abrasions, cuts, heat, and m6sture. The eye is particularly vulnerable <br /> because airborne chemicals can dissolve in it 'moist surface and be carried to the rest of <br /> the body through the bloodstream (capillaries .are very close to the surface of the eye). <br /> Wearing protective equipment, not using contact lenses in contaminated atmospheres <br /> (since they may trap chemicals against the eye surface), keeping hands away from the j <br /> face, and minimizing contact with liquid and solid chemicals can help protect against I <br /> skin and eye contact. <br /> Although ingestion should be the least significant route of exposure' at a site, it is <br /> important to be aware of how this type of exposure can occur. Deliberate ingestion of <br /> chemicals is unlikely, however, personal habits such as chewing gum or tobacco, <br /> drinking, eating, smoking cigarettes, and applying cosmetics on site may provide a route <br /> of entry for chemicals. <br /> The last primary route of chemical exposure is injection, whereby chemicals are <br /> introduced into the body through puncture wounds (for example, by. stepping or tripping <br /> and falling onto contaminated sharp objects)' ' Wearing safety shoes, avoiding physical <br /> hazards, and taking common sense precautions are important protective measures against <br /> L injection. <br /> The site history and results of previous site investigations indicate that exposure of field <br /> personnel to elevated levels of hazardous chemicals is unlikely. Generic chemical hazard <br /> profiles of substances that might be encodntered:at the site are summarized below. <br /> 1 <br /> 5.1.1 Gasoline <br /> Gasoline is a flammable petroleum produ�t: refined from crude oi'I. The major <br /> components of gasoline are primarily paraffins, olefins, napthalenes, aromatics, and ethyl <br /> alcohol. Gasoline can cause hyperemia or the conjunctiva and other disturbances of the <br /> eye. it is also a skin irritant and possible allergen. On acute inhalation, humans <br /> experience intense burning of the throat and respiratory system. At extremely high <br /> concentrations where oxygen displacement is;a factor, asphyxiation may occur. Severe <br /> S:\BFS\STOCKTON\HSP0011 10/15/99 5-4 <br />