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1 <br /> level chronic exposures. Benzene acts on the blood-forming organs. <br /> High-level chronic exposure can produce anemia, leukemia, bleeding <br /> under the skin, and reduced ability to form blood clots. Lower level <br /> chronic exposure can produce sleepiness, dizziness, vomiting, <br /> trembling, delirium, and unconsciousness. Exposure warrants <br /> immediate medical attention. The OSHA PEL for benzene for an eight- <br /> hour work day is 1 ppm. The STEL for 15 minutes is 5 ppm. <br /> Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene <br /> Although gasoline consists of hundreds of compounds, its primary <br /> components are toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. These materials <br /> are colorless liquids with a strong "hydrocarbon-like" odor. They are <br /> flammable and moderately volatile. Skin exposure causes dryness, <br /> cracking, and dermatitis. Exposure symptoms include dizziness, <br /> drowsiness, irritated eyes, nose, and throat, as well as abdominal pain. <br /> Current eight-hour exposure limits are set at 100 ppm for all three <br /> compounds. <br /> Tetraethyl Lead (TEL) <br /> TEL was a component of gasoline until quite recently. It was used as an <br /> anti-knock additive and was present at concentrations up to 4.23 grams <br /> per gallon. It is a colorless liquid with a slight musty odor. Exposure <br /> symptoms are similar to inorganic lead and include insomnia, anxiety, <br /> tremors, spasms, irregular and rapid heartbeat, nausea, headache, <br /> vomiting, convulsions, and eye and skin irritation. TEL can rapidly <br /> penetrate the skin, so affected skin areas should be washed promptly. <br /> OSHA exposure limits for TEL are set at 0.075 mg/M3. <br /> Diesel <br /> Diesel is mainly a mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons, chiefly of the <br /> methane series, having from 10 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule. It is a <br /> severe skin irritant and its vapor form is moderately explosive when <br /> exposed to heat or flame. Although not specifically regulated by OSHA, <br /> the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has <br /> published a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 100 mg/M3. <br /> Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) <br /> Most organic compounds, except those known to be carcinogenic, <br /> exhibit similar hazard effects in humans. Effects on the central <br /> nervous and upper respiratory systems as well as skin irritation <br /> 6-6 <br />