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❑ Herbicides. Some of the commonly used herbicides present a low toxicity to man. However, other herbicides pose more serious
<br /> problems. Organophosphorus and carbamate herbicides,if inhaled or ingested,can interfere with the functioning of the central nervous
<br /> system. Many herbicides can be readily absorbed through the skin to cause systemic effects. In addition to being absorbed through the
<br /> skin, many herbicides, upon contact with the skin, may cause discoloring, skin irritation,or dermatitis. Contaminants of commercial
<br /> preparations of chlorinated phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4,5-T include 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(dioxin). Dioxin is a known
<br /> mutagen and a suspect carcinogen.
<br /> ❑ Hydrogen Sulfide(H2S). H2S, characterized by its"rotten egg"odor, is produced by the decomposition of sulfur-containing organic
<br /> matter. It is found in many of the same areas where methane is found such as landfills,swamps,sewers,and sewer treatment facilities.
<br /> An important characteristic of H2S is its ability to cause a decrease in one's ability to detect its presence by smell. So although one may
<br /> no longer be able to smell it,it could still be present in harmful concentrations.
<br /> The symptoms of overexposure include headache,dizziness,staggering,and nausea Severe overexposure can cause respiratory failure,
<br /> coma,and death. The current OSHA PEL is 10 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average(TWA). The ACGIH TLV is the same.
<br /> ❑ Lead Paint. The inspection and/or removal,sanding,grinding,etc.of lead-based or lead-containing paints is now strictly regulated by
<br /> OSHA. States may require individuals who conduct lead paint inspections or collect samples of lead paint to be licensed or certified.
<br /> Partner employees must determine the applicability of these regulations prior to any activities involving lead paint. For additional health
<br /> information,see Metal Compounds.
<br /> ❑ Metal Compounds. Overexposure to metal compounds has been associated with a variety of local and systemic health hazards,both
<br /> acute and chronic in nature,with chronic effects being most significant. Direct contact with the dusts of some metal compounds can result
<br /> in contact or allergic dermatitis. Repeated contact with arsenic compounds may result in hyperpigmentation. Cases of skin cancer due to
<br /> the trivalent inorganic arsenic compounds have been documented. The moist mucous membranes,particularly the conjunctivae,are most
<br /> sensitive to the irritating effects of arsenic. Copper particles embedded in the eye result in a pronounced foreign body reaction with a
<br /> characteristic discoloration of eye tissue.
<br /> Inhalation of copper and zinc dusts and fumes above their established PELs may result in flu-like symptoms known as"metal fume fever."
<br /> Prolonged and repeated inhalation of the dusts of inorganic arsenic compounds above the established PEL may result in weakness,loss of
<br /> appetite, a sense of heaviness in the stomach, and vomiting. Respiratory problems such as cough, hoarseness,and chest pain usually
<br /> precede the gastrointestinal problems. Chronic overexposure to the dusts of inorganic arsenic may result in lung cancer.
<br /> The early symptoms of lead poisoning are usually nonspecific. Symptoms include sleep disturbances, decreased physical fitness,
<br /> headache,decreased appetite,and abdominal pains.Chronic overexposure may result in severe colic and severe abdominal cramping. The
<br /> central nervous system (CNS) may also be adversely effected when lead is either inhaled or ingested in large quantities for extended
<br /> periods of time. The peripheral nerve is usually affected. "Wrist drop"is peculiar to such CNS damage. Lead has also been characterized
<br /> as a male and female reproductive toxin as well as a fetotoxin. Exposure to lead(Pb)is regulated by a comprehensive OSHA standard(29
<br /> CFR 1910.1025).
<br /> ❑ Methane. Methane is an odorless,colorless,tasteless,gas that cannot be detected by an H-Nu/PID. When present in high concentrations
<br /> in air,methane acts primarily as a simple asphyxiant without other significant physiologic effects. Simple asphyxiants dilute or displace
<br /> oxygen below that required to maintain blood levels sufficient for normal tissue respiration.
<br /> Methane has a LEL of 5 percent and an upper explosive limit(UEL)of 15 percent. The LEL of a substance is the minimum concentration
<br /> of gas or vapor in air below which the substance will not bum when exposed to a source of ignition. This concentration is expressed in
<br /> percent by volume. Below this concentration,the mixture is"too lean"to bum or explode. The UEL of a substance is the maximum
<br /> concentration of gas or vapor in air above which the substance will not bum when exposed to a source of ignition. Above this
<br /> concentration,the mixture is"too rich"to bum or explode. The explosive range is the range of concentrations between the LEL and UEL
<br /> where the gas-air mixture will support combustion. For methane this range is 5 to 15 percent.
<br /> ❑ Pesticides. Pesticides can be grouped into three major categories:organophosphates,carbamate,and organochlorates. The actual PELs
<br /> as set by the OSHA vary depending on the specific compound. Organophosphates, including diazinon, malathion and parathion, are
<br /> quickly absorbed into the body by inhalation, ingestion,and direct skin contact. The symptoms of exposure include headache,fatigue,
<br /> dizziness, blurted vision, sweating, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms can include tightness of the chest, muscle
<br /> spasms, seizures, and unconsciousness. It should also be noted that the malathion and parathion PELs both carry the Skin notation,
<br /> indicating that these compounds adversely affect or penetrate the skin. OSHA specifies that skin exposure to substances carrying this
<br /> designation should be prevented or reduced through the use of the appropriate PPE.
<br /> Organochlorates such as chlordane, DDT and heptachlor can cause dizziness,nausea,abdominal pain,and vomiting. The more severe
<br /> symptoms include epileptic-like seizures,rapid heartbeat,coma,and death. These compounds also carry the OSHA Skin notation. The
<br /> symptoms of exposure to carbamate such carbaryl(also known as sevin)is similar to those described for the organophosphates. However,
<br /> the OSHA exposure limit for carbaryl does not carry the Skin notation.
<br /> ❑ Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHCs). Petroleum hydrocarbons such as fuel oil are generally considered to be of low toxicity.
<br /> Recommended airborne exposure limits have not been established for these vapors. However, inhalation of low concentrations of the
<br /> vapor may cause mucous membrane irritation. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapor may cause pulmonary edema Repeated or
<br /> prolonged direct skin contact with the oil may produce skin irritation as a result of defatting. Protective measures,such as the wearing of
<br /> Partner Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan Page 9
<br /> Version 1.02 May 4,2015
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