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These liquids are complex mixtures containing numerous species of hydrocarbon The toxicity and environmental behavior of these fuel mixtures, and any additives, depends on the mixture constituents and concentrations Gasoline, for instance, is a mixture containing approximately 150 different hydrocarbon species, several elements (in small concentrations),and fuel additives such as ethylene dibromide,ethylene dichloride,tetramethyl lead and tetraethyl lead lI rr2c� -� L $� 3M , The constituent of most concern in these fuels is benzene, a known human carcinogen, which may consist of up to 5% of the total volume in/gasoline The main routes of exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons are inhalation and skin absorption Benzene was detected in groundwater and was detected in very low Ievels in only one soil sample, soil boring#7 at 76 feet in depth This soil boring showed 0 011 ppm of benzene which is very low and near the detection limit Benzene was found in the groundwater at levels of 4 to 9,400 ppb_ o ,2 oat/ -F4k z a a 5 Petroleum contaminated soils and its constituents can pose health hazards in two mayor classifications explosivity and toxicity The extreme flammability of liquid gasoline is commonly known The lower explosion limit (LEL) of gasoline vapor is 1 3 percent in air If the concentration of gasoline vapor in air exceeds 13 percent (13,000 parts per million) and sufficient quantities of oxygen are present,the introduction of sufficient heat, spark,or flame could result in a flash fire An explosion at this site is not considered possible since this is an open excavation and is not confined within a building or vessel Because of the low possibility of vapors-even near the lower explosion limit,a flash fire is not considered to post a potential health hazard at the site .- It is important to recognize the lower explosive limits of gasoline,benzene,toluene,ethyl benzene and xylene is between 10,000 and 14,000 ppm However, the human nose can smell these constituents at 1 ppm Accordingly, the mere detection of petroleum or gasoline odor does not mean there is an explosive atmosphere present A lesser known health hazard resulting from exposure to gasoline and its constituents, namely lead, is toxicity Over exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon vapor can cause depression of the central nervous system Inhalation of high concentrations of gasoline can cause chemical pneumonia and/or pulmonary edema Repeated or prolonged skin exposure to gasoline or gasoline contaminated materials can cause dermatitis or even blistering of the skin Lead poisoning, a potential hazard for this site, can be caused through inhalation of lead particulates or dermal absorption through high levels of lead contamination Caution should be given in handling of any contaminated soils to ensure worker safety Acute exposure to hydrocarbons primarily causes Central Nervous System (CNS) effects such as headache, dizziness, weakness, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness and death Chronic exposure to hydrocarbons may cause skin drying and irritation, cancer, peripheral neuropathy, and decreased immunologic response These health effects are highly dependent on exposure concentration and duration Personal protection against exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon fuels would include primarily respiratory and dermal protection Depending upon the levels of hydrocarbon vapors and odors, vapor control measures may vary The bestmethod to control vapors is to place a 10 mil polyethylene plastic barrier directly over exposed hydrocarbon impacted soil If hydrocarbon odors are extremely intense or if moderate odors are prolonged for many hours, the jobsite foreman should consider various engineering, administration and personal protective procedures If moderate prolonged or acute hydrocarbon smells are encountered, it is recommended that respirators be used by all workers in close contact with the hydrocarbon impacted soils Medical clearance to use a respirator, as well as fit testing and other respiratory training, will be required on the}obsite when respirator use is required Health and Safety Plan for F&H Construction 130 North Hunter St, Stockton, CA Pa rta Q