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��''�,_, � �: �. '•d'�-.'`," �� '»,. .� ��, ;�', �� ,�� rte;; "' + a P TROCREMICALS OF CONCERN Health Effects: Potential effects of any exposure are dependant on several factors such as: toxicity of substance, timeframe of exposure, concentration of substance producing the exposure, general health of person exposed, and individual use of hazard reduction methods. 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 (see chari. of properties, page 21 for further explanation) . Gasoline constituents can be divided into five major groups: alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkenes, aromatics, and additives. The aromatics are the constituents generally regarded to be of the greatest toxic concern. The major aromatics in gasoline are benzene, toluene, and xylene. Of these, benzene is considered to be the most potent. All of these chemicals can also irrita::e the skin if repeated or prolonged skin exposure occurs. Benzene Benzene can ether the body thro•.igh 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, ronvalsions, coma, anr3 possible death if exposure is not reversed. The most significant chronic effect of benzene is bone marrow toxicity. Although the carse-effect relationship is not fully understood, it is believed that there might be a strong association between chronic exposures to benzene and the development of leukemia. i9