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The explosive range is the range of concentrations between the LEL and UEL where the gas-air mixture will support
<br /> combustion. For methane this range is 5 to 15 percent.
<br /> ❑ MTBE. Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a volatile, flammable and colorless liquid that is relatively soluble in water.
<br /> MTBE has a typical odor reminiscent of diethyl ether, leading to unpleasant taste and odor in water. MTBE is almost
<br /> exclusively used as a fuel component in motor gasoline. The EPA has concluded that available data are not adequate to
<br /> estimate potential health risks of MTBE at low exposure levels in drinking water, but that the data support the conclusion that
<br /> MTBE is a potential human carcinogen at high doses. The ACGIH has recommended an exposure limit of 40 parts of MTBE
<br /> per million parts of air(40 ppm)for an 8-hour workday,40-hour workweek.
<br /> ❑ Pesticides. Pesticides can be grouped into three major categories: organophosphates, carbonate and chlorinated
<br /> hydrocarbons. The actual PELs as set by the OSHA, vary depending on the specific compound. Organophosphates, including
<br /> Diazinon, Malathion and Parathion, are quickly absorbed into the body by inhalation, ingestion and direct skin contact. The
<br /> symptoms of exposure include headache, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, sweating, cramps, nausea and vomiting. More
<br /> severe symptoms can include tightness of the chest, muscle spasms, seizures and unconsciousness. It should also be noted
<br /> that the Malathion and Parathion PELs both carry the Skin notation, indicating that these compounds adversely effect or
<br /> penetrate the skin. OSHA specifies that skin exposure to substances carrying this designation be prevent or reduced through
<br /> the use of the appropriate PPE.
<br /> Chlorinated Hydrocarbons such as Chlordane, DDT and Heptachlor can cause dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain and
<br /> vomiting. The more severe symptoms include epileptic like seizures, rapid heart beat, coma and death. These compounds
<br /> also carry the OSHA Skin notation. The symptoms of exposure to carbamate such Carbaryl (also known as Sevin) are similar
<br /> to those described for the organophosphates. However, the OSHA exposure limit for Carbaryl does not carry the Skin
<br /> notation.
<br /> ❑ Petroleum Hydrocarbons(PHCs). Petroleum Hydrocarbons such as fuel oil are generally considered to be of low toxicity.
<br /> Recommended airborne exposure limits have not been established for these vapors. However, inhalation of low
<br /> concentrations of the vapor may cause mucous membrane irritation. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapor may
<br /> cause pulmonary edema. Repeated or prolonged direct skin contact with the oil may produce skin irritation as a result of
<br /> defatting. Protective measures, such as the wearing of chemically resistant gloves, to minimize contact are addressed
<br /> elsewhere in this plan. Because of the relatively low vapor pressures associated with PHCs, an inhalation hazard in the
<br /> outdoor environment is not likely.
<br /> ❑ Polychlorinated Biphenyls(PCBs). Prolonged skin contact with PCBs may cause the formation of comedones, sebaceous
<br /> cysts, and/or pustules (a condition known as chloracne). PCBs are considered to be suspect carcinogens and may also cause
<br /> reproductive damage.
<br /> The OSHA permissible exposure limits(PELs)for PCBs are as follows:
<br /> Compound PEL (B-hour time-weighted average)
<br /> Chlorodiphenyl(42%Chlorine) 1 mg/m3-Skin
<br /> Chlorodiphenyl (54%Chlorine) 0.5 mg/m3 - Skin
<br /> It should be noted that PCBs have extremely low vapor pressures (0.001 mm Hg @ 42% Chlorine and 0.00008 mm Hg @
<br /> 54% Chlorine). This makes it unlikely that any significant vapor concentration (i.e., exposures above the OSHA PEL) will be
<br /> created in the ambient environment. This minimizes the potential for any health hazards to arise due to inhalation unless the
<br /> source is heated or generates an airborne mist. If generated, vapor or mists above the PEL may cause irritation of the eyes,
<br /> nose, and throat. The exposure limits noted above are considered low enough to prevent systemic effects but it is not known
<br /> if these levels will prevent local effects. It should also be noted that both PELs carry the Skin notation, indicating that these
<br /> compounds adversely effect or penetrate the skin. OSHA specifies that skin exposure to substances carrying this designation
<br /> be prevented or reduced through the use of the appropriate personal protective equipment(PPE).
<br /> ❑ Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Due to the relatively low vapor pressure of PAH compounds, vapor hazards
<br /> at ambient temperatures are not expected to occur. However, if site conditions are dry, the generation of contaminated dusts
<br /> may pose a potential inhalation hazard. Therefore dust levels should be controlled with wetting if necessary. Repeated
<br /> contact with certain PAH compounds has been associated with the development of skin cancer. Contact of PAH compounds
<br /> with the skin may cause photosensitization of the skin, producing skin burns after subsequent exposure to ultraviolet
<br /> radiation. Protective measures, such as the wearing of chemically resistant gloves, are appropriate when handling PAH
<br /> contaminated materials.
<br /> ❑ Tetraethyl and Tetramethyl Lead. Both compounds are used as anti-knock ingredients in gasoline. The inhalation of
<br /> tetraethyl lead dusts may result in irritation of the respiratory tract. This dust, when in contact with moist skin or eye
<br /> membranes, may cause itching, burning and transient redness.
<br /> AEI Health&Safety,Injury&Illness Prevention Plan Page 14 of 25
<br /> June 24, 2011
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