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Prolonged exposure at these concentrations can result in unconsciousness and coma. Although not toxic by skin absorption,these materials are absorbed through the skin and skin exposure may contribute to other routes of exposure. They all defat the skin. There is some evidence to indicate that repeated and prolonged exposure may result in a condition known as "solvent syndrome" characterized by reversible central nervous system damage. There is also some evidence to indicate that toluene may sensitize the heart, predisposing exposure victims to cardiac arrhythmia. Gasoline containing benzene, toluene and xylene may be potentially carcinogenic in laboratory animals. Benzene is a known human carcinogen and has been shown to cause leukemia, blood disorders and chromosome damage in humans and adverse birth effects in laboratory animals. 4.2 INHALATION HAZARD The major toxicity concern is benzene toxicity. Benzene has a Threshold Limit Value(TLV)of 10 ppm, which is defined as the average exposure for a period of 8 hours per day, 5 days per week that is believed will not cause harm to worker health. However, the OSHA limit has recently been lowered to 1 ppm. The reason for lowering the limit is data showing an association between benzene exposure and leukemia. Vapor concentrations expected to encountered during soil boring activities is not expected to exceed recommended exposure limits, based on available site information. However, respiratory protection must be used if the TLV values are reached. 4.3 DERMAL EXPOSURE HAZARD Contact of sufficient duration to cause significant absorption of toxic components is highly unlikely. Repeated daily or prolonged contact with excavated objects or soils maybe expected to defat the skin and perhaps, over a long period of time, lead to irritation and dermatitis. For this reason, direct contact with highly contaminated objects or soils should be avoided when possible by wearing gloves. However, if prolonged skin contact does occur, the exposed areas shall be washed with soap and water and rinsed thoroughly. 4.4 EXPLOSION HAZARD Elevated vapor concentrations may be present (though unlikely) which could be sources for explosion. Caution must be taken to prevent sources of ignition such as cigarettes, open flames and non-explosion proof electrical motors from operating within the restricted zone (Section 5.2). Typical Lower Explosive Limits (LELs) for petroleum hydrocarbons expected to be encountered are between 0.7 percent(7,000 ppm) and 2.0 (20,000 ppm). 4.5 OTHER HAZARDS Sufficient attention must be paid to other possible hazards on the site including but not limited to: - improper use of hand tools, - heavy equipment operation, - tripping on objects, - dehydration or sun stroke of the personnel, and - lack of oxygen through blockage of face masks. FREYEnvironmentai, inc. 4 Health & Safety Plan