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<br /> Unleaded, EC-1 Regular,-Leaded Regular, Unleaded, and EC-P. Material Safety Data Sheets
<br /> (MSDS) for these grades of gasoline are included as Appendix D. The exposure limit for
<br /> gasoline is 300 parts per million (ppm) as an 8-hour time-weighted average airborne
<br /> concentration.
<br /> Gasoline vapors (50-100 octane) are moderately to highly toxic via inhalation. Acute exposures
<br /> can cause eye disturbances, central nervous system depression, pneumonitis, or fatal pulmonary
<br /> edema (extremely high concentrations such as IDLH). Gasoline vapors also pose a fire and
<br /> explosion hazard when present in sufficient concentrations (percent by volume in air). The
<br /> flammable range for gasoline vapors in air is approximately 1% - 7%. In addition, gasoline can
<br /> react vigorously with oxidizing materials resulting in fire. The principal constituents of concern
<br /> are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX compounds) and tetraethyl
<br /> (organic) lead.
<br /> Benzene is a potential occupational carcinogen and has been associated with leukemia. Acute
<br /> health effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and respiratory system, headache, giddiness,
<br /> nausea, and anorexia. Benzene exposure can also lead to disturbances in gait, dermatitis, and
<br /> bone marrow depression.
<br /> The other BTEX compounds (toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) may cause irritation to the
<br /> eyes, nose and respiratory system, and.dermatitis. Acute exposure can lead to central nervous
<br /> system effects including headache, dizziness,confusion, and irritability. Exposure to toluene may
<br /> also result in pupil dilatation, nervousness, and insomnia. Elevated concentrations of xylene
<br /> isomers may Iead to corneal damage, and gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain,
<br /> nausea and vomiting.
<br /> Tetraethyl lead is a colorless liquid which maybe dyed red, orange, or blue. It is flammable
<br /> .and has a slight musty odor. It may produce.several symptoms including eye irritation, insomnia,
<br /> anxiety, tremor, hyperreflexia, a decrease in heart rate, hypotension, nausea, anorexia, weight
<br /> loss, hallucinations, convulsions, and coma.. Chronic exposure may lead to male sterility and
<br /> neurological damage to the developing fetus. Its target organs are the central nervous system,
<br /> cardiovascular system, kidneys, reproductive system, and eyes.
<br /> Exposure to total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) may also occur. TPH refers to heavy
<br /> hydrocarbons which may present a fire hazard in extreme circumstances, such as the presence
<br /> of flame, excessive heat or strong oxidizers. An exposure limit for TPH has not been established
<br /> due to the varied chemical composition. Presently, there are no known chronic health hazards
<br /> associated with TPH.
<br /> Table 1 presents a summary of the chemical exposure limits and characteristics associated with
<br /> a
<br /> the BTEX compounds and tetraethyl lead. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for these
<br /> substances are included as Appendix'D.
<br /> Table 1. Chemical Exposure Limits and Characteristics
<br /> QMSASz w .
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