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BENZENE page of b WC.RIN-a LAdC.�ii�T 1 L~ -,-ND J 114'r�-11La..J �nt.ntiai -nd most severe waith iazards :hat may resuir :nom . e`fDQSUM. Duration oF P-vosure- corric2nrrmio.^. �if the i..n!eSS Ie.SS - X,": C.emit ai Can uC tier.-i"iazardo S subsrance and other :actors .vii] affec. your auscepcioilim_, :o substance.LN- GZVEERLNGC0NTROLZ- are the—wsr ''�Fecm'_ :n,%,-?f_ae cotenrlal effecs described beiow. wav of reducinz zxoosure. The best uroteation is to :nciose operauons and/or provide locai exhaust ventilation at :he site of chemicai reiease. Isolarine operations can also reduce HEALTH H.-k7--',.RD INFORNUTION exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less 1, crive than the _onrrois mentioned above. but is sometimes Acute Health Effects necessary. T he following acute short-term/ health effecs may occur immediateiv_ or shortly atter exposure to Benzene: In evaluating the controls present in your workpiace, consider. (1) how hazardous the substance is. (2) how much of the Benzene can irritate the eves and skin. substance is released into the workplace and (:) whether Exposure mn irritate the nose and throat, harmful skin or eve contact could occur. Special conrrols Benzene can cause svmptoms of dizziness, should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when lightheadedness, headache and vomiting. Convulsions significant skin.eve.or breathing exposures are possible. and coma. or sudden death from irre_zuiar heart beat. may follow high exposure. In addition,the following controls are recommended: Chronic Health Effects * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Benzene from The foilowing chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at drums or other storage containers to process containers. some time after exposure to Benzene and can last for months * Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical or years: by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA Standard 1910,102$. * Before entering a confined space where Benzene may be Cancer Hazard present,check to make sure that an explosive concentration • Benzene is a CARCINOGEN in humans. It has been shown does not exist. to cause leukemia. A Class I, Type B, biological safety hood should be used ` Nlanv scientists believe there is ao safe level of exposure when mixing,handling,or preparing Benzene_ to a carcinogen. Good WORK PRAGTiCFS can heap to reduce hazardous Reproductive Hazard exposures. The following work practices are recommended: There is limited evidence that Benzene is a teratogen in animals. Until further tesrine has been done, it should be ' Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by treated as a possible teratogen in humans. Benzene should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family Other Long-Term Effects members could be exposed. Benzene can cause drying and scaling of the skin. ` Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by Repeated exposure can cause damage m the blood cells individuals who have been informed of the hazards of (aplastic anemia). exposure to Benzene. ' Eve wash fountains should be provided in the immediate MEDICAL work area for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency Medical Testing shower facilities should be provided. Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, * On skin contact with Benzene, immediately wash or shower the following is recommended: to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift,wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Benzene, • Complete blood count. * whether or not known skin contact has occurred. Do not pat. smoke, or drink where Benzene is handled, .env evaluation should include a careful history of past and processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. ivledicai tests that look rot Wash hands carefully before eating, drinking, smoking, or present symptoms with an exam. using the toilet. damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical resting_ You have a legal right . to this information under OSHA 1910.1020.