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1 <br /> ? I <br /> PETROCHEMICALS'` OF CONCERN <br /> ,f <br /> Health Effects: <br /> t <br /> Potential effects of any exposure are dependant on several <br /> factors such as: toxicity ofiilsubstance, timeframe of I <br /> exposure, concentration of substance producing the exposure, <br /> general health of person exposed, and individual use of <br /> hazard reduction methods. ; <br /> Gasoline <br /> 4 <br /> Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and additives. <br /> Chronic exposures or exposures to a high concentration of <br /> gasoline vapor may cause unconsciousness, coma and possibly <br /> death from respiratory failure. Exposure to low <br /> concentrations of gasoline vapor may produce flushing of the <br /> face, slurred speech, and mental confusion (see chart of <br /> properties, page 23 for furtrier ',:explanation) . } <br /> Gasoline constituents can beldivided into five major groups: <br /> alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkenes' 'Zromatics, and additives. <br /> The aromatics are the constituents generally regarded to be <br /> of the greatest toxic concern. !The major aromatics in <br /> gasoline are benzene, toluene, and xylene. Of these, <br /> benzene is considered to be theimost potent. All of these <br /> r chemicals can also irritate thelskin if repeated or <br /> prolonged skin exposure occurs. <br /> Benzene - <br /> Benzene can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, <br /> and skin contact. Studies have Noted that chronic exposure <br /> to benzene vapor can produce :i:'•neurotoxic and hemopoietic <br /> (blood system) effects. Othdr effects can include headache, <br /> , dizziness, nausea, convulsions, icoma, and possible death if <br /> exposure is not reversed. The most significant chronic <br /> effect of benzene is bone marrow toxicity. Although the <br /> cause-effect relationship isl:not fully understood, it is <br /> believed that there might be ',a strong association between <br /> chronic exposures to benzene 'l�and the development of <br /> leukemia. <br /> " F <br /> y <br /> S <br /> Y <br /> ,f <br />