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k Y Gf 2.0 1-IAZARDEYAI. LATI I 2-1 C1-11 ALHAZARDS Petroleum distillate fuels are mixtures of aliphatic and aromatirhydrocarbons. The predominant classes of compounds in leaded gasoline ate the pataftins(or alkanes), naphthenes,arrimatics. Examples of alkanes likely to be tbund in fuels are hexane (6C),septane(7C),octane(K),and nonane(9C). The mostcommon of the aromatics Is benzene,a 6 carbon ring(C6H6). Gasoline contains about 00 percent paraffins,6 percent naptrlhenes, and 14 percent arr)mafics. Chemicals such as tefinethyl lead and ethylene dibromomelliane have been added to automotive fuels to improve theirbuming properties. 2-11 TO3K3iY Petroleum distillate Niels exhibit relatively low acute inhalation and dermal toxicity. Concenfiations of 160-270 ppm gasoline vapor have been reported to cause eye, nose,and throat irritation after several hOurs of exposure. levels of 500-900 ppm can cause irritation and dizziness in one hour,and 2000 ppm produces mild anesthesia in 30 minutes. Some workers have reported headaches when exposed to 25 ppm of gasoline vapors as measured with a photoionization me ierorOVA. If liquid fuel or high vapor concentrations is drawn into the lungs,gasoline and other petroleum distillate fuels may cause chemical pneumonia. Most fuels,parficularly gasoline,are capable of causing irritation after contact Faith tie skin and eyes. The lethal dose ofgasoline ingested by children has been reported to be as low as 10- 15 grams. In adults, ingestion of 20-50 gierms of gasoline may produce sevens symptoms ofpoisoning. Some of the addifives to gasoline,such as ethylene dichloride, ethylene dibromide, and tetraethyl and tehramethyl lead, are highly toxic, but they ane present in low concentrations and their contribution to the overall toxicily of gasoline is usually negligible. OSHA has established a permissible-exposure lirnit of300 ppm for gasoline,wilh a short term exposure at 500 ppm in air. Where possible,permissible exposure limits for individual components must be also considered,such as benzene_ The limit took into consideration the concentration of benzene in gasoline(1-3%by volume,I ppm-TLV)as well as its common additives. The standards have been developed for known contaminants in traditional industrial workplaces. Itmustbe recognized that often in hazardous waste work,the nature and concerikiffom of Hie contaminants have riot been completely characterized. Unless complete and reliable evaluations have been previously perfbirned, or site control -- — - ----------.—_and_record keeping has been strict,unexpected hazardous materials may be found on site. 5