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coma. Studies have noted anemia could be a possible effect of chronic exposure to toluene. Toluene can be a skin and mucous membrane irritant and has been shown to cause liver and kidney damage when overexposure is significant. 4.1.5 Xylenes Depending on exposure factors, inhalation of xylenes vapor may produce central nervous system excitation followed by depression. Exposure to xylene vapor can produce dizziness, staggering, drowsiness, and unconsciousness. At very high concentrations, xylenes vapor may produce lung irritation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Xylene is not known to possess the chronic bone marrow toxicity of benzene, but liver enlargement and nerve cell damage have been noted from chronic overexposure. Ingestion exposures to xylenes can produce temporary liver damage and should be avoided. 4.1.6 Ethylbenzene Ethylbenzene is an eye, mucous membrane, respiratory tract, and skin irritant. High air levels can cause central nervous system depression, sense of chest constriction, headache and dizziness. Skin contact may cause irritation, inflammation and first or second degree bums. 4.1.7 Methyl tert-buq'l ether (MTBE) Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a flammable liquid that is used as an additive in unleaded gasoline. It is made from blending chemicals such as isobutylene and methanol, and has been used since the 1980s as an additive for unleaded gasoline to achieve more efficient burning. Drinking or breathing MTBE may cause nausea, nose and throat irritation, and nervous system effects. Some people exposed to MTBE while pumping gasoline, driving their cars, or working in gas stations have reported having headaches, nausea, dizziness, and mental confusion. However, the actual levels of exposure in these cases are unknown. 4.1.8 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) PCBs are a group of industrial chemicals that share a common structure. They are oily liquids or solids, clear to light yellow in color, and with no smell or taste. Pre -1977 products may contain PCBs. These include old fluorescent lighting fixtures, electrical devices or appliances with PCB capacitors, old microscope oil, and hydraulic fluids. PCBs may be contacted during field investigations by breathing workplace air (indoor air around electrical parts or outdoor air at waste sites), via drinking water, skin contact with soil, or breathing air that is contaminated from nearby waste sites. Exposures to PCBs at levels found in the workplace and over a long time may cause harmful effects to the skin (acne, rashes, and coloring of the nails and skin) and eyes (redness, burning, irritation, and discharge). PCBs in the diet of animals produced similar effects. PCBs may also irritate the nose and lungs. The Department of Health and Human Services 3028-03/114700.4766.023/JLTL.23'03 10