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Health and Safety Plan, Subsurface Investigation Potential New Court Site, Stockton, California Petroleum hydrocarbon fuels are complex mixtures of hydrocarbons and additives, used primarily as a motor fuel. Gasoline, which possesses a moderate to high vapor pressure and a lower explosive limit of 1.1 percent concentration in air, can present a significant and fire/explosion hazard in enclosed spaces (where airborne concentrations may accumulate). Diesel fuel possesses a much lower vapor pressure than gasoline, and does not produce an explosive mixture in air unless heated. Chronic exposures or exposures to a high concentration of petroleum fuel vapor (gasoline) may cause unconsciousness, coma, and possible death from respiratory failure. Exposure to low concentrations may produce flushing of the face, slurred speech, and mental confusion. Fuels are also irritating to the skin, and may cause drying and dermatitis as a result of prolonged contact. Various components and additives of fuels can themselves present significant additional hazards. The aromatic compounds benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are of greatest concern in relation to site investigation activities, and are addressed separately below. In the past tetra-ethyl and tetra-methyl lead, both of which have been identified as carcinogens and present moderate skin contact hazards, were added to gasoline for anti-knock control. Both the OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV for gasoline are 300 ppm, while there are no established occupational exposure standards for diesel fuel. Control of inhalation exposure to fuels (and their various constituents and additives) can be accomplished through the use of engineering controls and air purifying respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges. The use of skin protection (chemically- protective gloves, etc.) is required when handling fuel-contaminated materials. 5.3.2 BTEX Benzene - Benzene is a known human carcinogen. Prolonged skin contact with benzene or excessive inhalation of its vapor may cause headache, weakness, loss of appetite, and lassitude. Continued exposure can cause collapse, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The most important health hazards are cancer (leukemia), bone marrow effects, and injuries to the blood-forming tissue from chronic low-level exposure. The Cal/OSHA PEL is 1 ppm, and the ACGIH TLV is 0.5 ppm. Toluene - Exposure to vapors of toluene may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, upper respiratory tract, and skin. Exposure to 200 ppm for 8 hours causes mild fatigue, weakness, confusion, tearing, and a 16 January 2009 Project 104290.19.01