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Site Health and Safety Plan Page 7 <br />cobalt and other metals. Inorganic arsenic has been widely used in industry as a wood <br />preservative, in pesticides, fertilizers, and in some limited medical applications. It may also <br />be used in the automobile, and semiconductor industries. <br />The general population is exposed arsenic and arsenic compounds primarily through <br />consumption of food(s). Inhalation and dermal contact are the primary routes of <br />occupational exposure to arsenic and arsenic compounds. Exposure to arsenic may result in <br />nausea and vomiting, decreased hematopoietic function, abnormal heart rhythm, and <br />damage to blood vessels. Skin contact with inorganic arsenic may result in urticaria, <br />redness, and swelling. <br />The OSHA PEL for arsenic is 0.01 mg/m3. <br />Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds are known to be human carcinogens based on <br />sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans. <br />3.3.3 Benzene <br />CAS # 71-43-2 <br />Benzene is a primary organic compound that exists at room temperature as a clear, colorless <br />liquid with an aromatic odor. Benzene is slightly soluble in water and is miscible with alcohol, <br />ether, chloroform, carbon disulfide, acetone, oils, carbon tetrachloride, and most organic <br />solvents. <br />Benzene is used primarily as a solvent in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as a <br />starting material in the synthesis of numerous compounds, and in gasoline. <br />Benzene has been produced commercially from coal since 1849 and from petroleum since <br />1941. <br />The principal route of exposure to benzene is inhalation. Benzene may be present in the <br />atmosphere from natural sources, industrial sources, emissions, and fuel evaporation from <br />gasoline filling stations. The general population can be exposed to benzene by inhalation <br />from these sources, as well as inhaling air containing tobacco smoke, contaminated drinking <br />water, or contaminated food. Moreover, benzene is been detected in fruits, vegetables, nuts, <br />dairy products, eggs and fish. Occupational exposure may occur during production of <br />benzene or industrial substances containing in. <br />Short-term exposure to benzene may cause irritation to the eyes, upper respiratory system, <br />headache, nausea, lassitude, and incoordination. Long-term, chronic exposure to benzene <br />may result in serious illness and health and safety hazards. <br />The OSHA PEL for benzene is 3.19 mg/m3 (1 ppm). <br />Benzene is known to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity <br />from studies in humans. <br />3.3.4 Toluene <br />CAS # 108-88-3 <br />Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive organic odor. <br />Toluene is used in industry as a chemical intermediate to produce benzene and other <br />compounds (i.e., xylene, toluene diisocynanate), to produce lacquers, adhesives, as a