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LEA Advisory #46 - Evaluation of Employee Health Risk from Open Tire Burning Page 7 of 8 Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas usually resulting from incomplete combustion. When inhaled, carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, resulting in a state of tissue hypoxia. Typical signs and symptoms of acute CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, collapse, coma, and death. The amount of carboxyhemoglobin formed is dependent on concentration and duration of exposure, ambient temperature, health, and metabolism of the individual. Other substances that pose a lesser exposure risk include metals and solvent vapors. Airborne exposure to these substances in the plume may pose a health hazard. Employee exposures to solvent vapors, except for benzene, have been shown to be well below established exposure limits. Organic compounds typically found and of potential concern include toluene, xylene,ethyl benzene, and styrene. Aromatic hydrocarbons typically cause central nervous system depression or other effects, and, depending on the compound, hepatic, renal, or bone marrow disorders. The presence of heavy metal compounds in the ash materials may also present a health hazard concern. High concentrations of zinc, lead, or arsenic have been found in sample analysis. Metals affect multiple organ systems, and the targets for toxicity are specific biochemical processes and/or membranes of cells and organs. Dermal or skin contact with contaminated materials should be avoided for these compounds. The metals act as primary irritants by removing the surface film, disturbing the water-holding quality of the cells, and injuring the membrane structure of the epidermal cells Exposure Control Measures There are a number of hazards or potential hazards associated with open burning of tires for field personnel outlined above. Control measures used are based upon the nature of the harmful substance, its routes of exposure, and what job activities will be performed at the site. To prevent potential exposure and to control exposure to hazards, the measures listed below shall be considered. . Conduct preplanning to identify safety precautions prior to responding to a site or performing field activities. . Avoid being in close proximity to the fire. . Always select a safe place to observe. . Do not touch or attempt to collect samples of soil,burn ash, or debris of any kind without appropriate personal protective equipment. . Select personal protective equipment based on the hazards that will be encountered while at the site. Consult with the Health and Safety Officer and/or program staff. . Use proper respiratory equipment to prevent inhalation of airborne hazards when appropriate. . Never put notebooks or other equipment down in contaminated areas. . Avoid the smoke plume. Stand upwind and out of the smoke plume area. . Avoid ash, dust clouds, runoff, pyrolytic oils, tarry substances. . Avoid walking in the burn site waste. . Observe site conditions and wind direction. . Keep vehicles away and upwind of all hazards and avoid contaminating the interior of vehicles. . Avoid hand or body contact with contaminated materials or any contaminated surfaces. . Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with or without gloved hands. . Decontaminate when leaving the site; wash hands and face. http://www.ciwmb.ca.c,ov/pe/advisory/46/46.htm 8/11/98