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coma. Studies have noted anemia could be a possible effect of chronic exposure to toluene. <br /> Toluene can be a skin and mucous membrane irritant and has been shown to cause liver and <br /> kidney damage when overexposure is significant. <br /> 4.1.5 Xylenes <br /> Depending on exposure factors, inhalation of xylenes vapor may produce central nervous system <br /> excitation followed by depression. Exposure to xylene vapor can produce dizziness, staggering, <br /> drowsiness, and unconsciousness. At very high concentrations, xylenes vapor may produce lung <br /> irritation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Xylene is not known to possess the chronic <br /> bone marrow toxicity of benzene, but liver enlargement and nerve cell damage have been noted <br /> from chronic overexposure. Ingestion exposures to xylenes can produce temporary liver damage <br /> and should be avoided. <br /> 4.1.6 Ethylbenzene <br /> Ethylbenzene is an eye, mucous membrane, respiratory tract, and skin irritant. High air levels <br /> can cause central nervous system depression, sense of chest constriction,headache and dizziness. <br /> Skin contact may cause irritation, inflammation and first or second degree bums. <br /> 4.1.7 Methyl tert-bugJ ether (MTBE) <br /> Methyl tert-butyl ether(MTBE) is a flammable liquid that is used as an additive in unleaded <br /> gasoline. It is made from blending chemicals such as isobutylene and methanol, and has been <br /> used since the 1980s as an additive for unleaded gasoline to achieve more efficient burning. <br /> Drinking or breathing MTBE may cause nausea,nose and throat irritation, and nervous system <br /> effects. Some people exposed to MTBE while pumping gasoline, driving their cars, or working <br /> in gas stations have reported having headaches, nausea, dizziness, and mental confusion. <br /> However,the actual levels of exposure in these cases are unknown. <br /> 4.1.8 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) <br /> PCBs are a group of industrial chemicals that share a common structure. They are <br /> oily liquids or solids, clear to light yellow in color, and with no smell or taste. <br /> Pre-1977 products may contain PCBs. These include old fluorescent lighting <br /> fixtures, electrical devices or appliances with PCB capacitors, old microscope oil, <br /> and hydraulic fluids. PCBs may be contacted during field investigations by <br /> breathing workplace air (indoor air around electrical parts or outdoor air at waste <br /> sites), via drinking water, skin contact with soil, or breathing air that is <br /> contaminated from nearby waste sites. Exposures to PCBs at levels found in the <br /> workplace and over a long time may cause harmful effects to the skin (acne, <br /> rashes, and coloring of the nails and skin) and eyes (redness,burning, irritation, <br /> and discharge). PCBs in the diet of animals produced similar effects. PCBs may <br /> also irritate the nose and lungs. The Department of Health and Human Services <br /> 3028-03/114700.4766.023/JLTL.23'03 10 <br />