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4.0 CHEMICALS OF CONCERN 4.1 CHEMICAL HAZARDS The potential effect of any exposure is dependent upon several factors: toxicity of substance, length of time of exposure, concentration of substance producing the exposure, general health of person exposed, and individual use of hazardous reduction methods. 4.1.1 Diesel fuel, Jet Fuel and Hydraulic Oil Diesel fuel is a complex mixture of paraffinic, olefinic, napthenic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Diesel fuel oil is a dark semi-opaque liquid with a mild petroleum odor. Inhalation of excessive concentrations of vapor or mist can be irritating to the respiratory passages and can cause the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of coordination. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause irritation of the hair follicles and block the sebaceous glands. This produces a rash of acne pimples and spots, usually on the arms and legs. 4.1.2 Gasoline Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and additives. Chronic exposures or exposures to a high concentration of gasoline vapor may cause unconsciousness, coma and possibly death from respiratory failure. Exposure to low concentrations of gasoline vapor may produce flushing of the face, slurred speech, and mental confusion. Gasoline constituents can be divided into five major groups: alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkenes, aromatics, and additives. The major aromatics in gasoline i.e. benzene, toluene, and xylenes. Of these, benzene in considered to be the most potent. All these chemicals can also irritate the skin if repeated or prolonged skin exposure occurs. 4.1.3 Benzene Benzene can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Studies have noted that chronic exposure to benzene vapor can produce neurotoxic and hemopoietic (blood system) effects. Other effects can include headache, dizziness, nausea, convulsions, coma, and possible death if exposure is not reversed. The most significant chronic effect of benzene is bone marrow toxicity. Although the cause-effect relationship is not full),understood; it is believed that there might be a strong association between chronic exposures to benzene and the development of leukemia. 4.1.4 Toluene Inhalation exposure to toluene vapor can produce effects such as central nervous system depression. Depending on exposure factors, signs and symptoms can include headache, dizziness, fatigue, muscular weakness, lack of coordination, drowsiness, collapse, and possible 30 5-03/114700.4766.023/JUL23'03 9