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„ ^hevrnn U.S.A. Inc. <br /> Site Safety Plan , <br /> October 2, 1991 <br /> 7.0 CHEMICALS OF CONCERN <br /> 7.1 Health Effects <br /> Potential health effects from a chemical exposure are dependant on <br /> several exposure factors such as: toxicity of substances, duration of <br /> exposure, concentration during exposure and the overall health of the <br /> person exposed. <br /> The chemicals commonly present at this site are: Gasoline and/or Diesel <br /> Fuel containing varying concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, <br /> Ethylbenzene, and Xylene (BTEX) . The following is a health analysis of <br /> these chemicals. <br /> Additional information on these chemicals can be found in the Material <br /> Safety Data Sheet located in Appendix I. <br /> Gasoline <br /> Gasoline constituents can be divided into five major groups: alkanes, <br /> alkenes, cycloalkanes, aromatics and additives. The aromatics are the <br /> constituents generally regarded to be of greatest toxic concern. The <br /> major aromatics in gasoline are benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and <br /> xylene. Of these, benzene is considered to be_ the most toxic. one <br /> characteristic effect of gasoline and its aromatic constituents is <br /> their ability to irritate the skin when repeated or prolonged exposure <br /> occurs. <br /> Diesel Fuel <br /> Diesel fuel is a complex mixture of paraffinic, olefinic, naphthenic, <br /> and aromatic hydrocarbons. Paraffins make up the largest percentage of <br /> diesel fuel, but aromatics can be as high as 30-35%. <br /> Diesel fuel generally does not constitute an inhalation hazard due to <br /> its low vapor pressure and high boiling point. If excessive air <br /> concentrations of diesel fuel are inhaled, mucous membrane irritation <br /> and chemical pneumonitis may result. other symptoms may include <br /> headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of coordination. <br /> Ingestion of diesel fuel may cause these systemic effects: <br /> gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, <br /> drowsiness and central nervous system depression, progressing to coma <br /> and death. <br /> Skin contact with diesel fuel may defat the skin, leading to <br /> irritation, infection, and dermatitis. Prolonged or repeated skin <br /> contact may cause irritation of the hair follicles and block the <br /> sebaceous glands, producing a rash of acne pimples and spots. This <br /> condition can be prevented if proper hygiene practices are followed. <br /> 16 <br />