- Aplastic Anemia in a Petrochemical Factory Worker
Young Mann Baak, Byoung Yong Ahn, Hwang Shin Chang, Ji Hong Kim, Kyoung Ah Kim, and Young Lim. Environ Health Perspect 107:851-853 (1999). Department of Industrial Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
Abstract
A petrochemical worker with aplastic anemia was referred to our hospital. He worked in a petroleum resin-producing factory and had been exposed to low-level benzene while packaging the powder resin and pouring lime into a deactivation tank. According to the yearly environmental survey of the working area, the airborne benzene level was approximately 0.28 ppm. Exposure to benzene, a common chemical used widely in industry, may progressively lead to pancytopenia, aplastic anemia, and leukemia. The hematotoxicity of benzene is related to the amount and duration of exposure. Most risk predictions for benzene exposures have been based on rubber workers who were exposed to high concentrations. In the petroleum industry, the concentration of benzene is relatively low, and there are disputes over the toxicity of low-level benzene because of a lack of evidence. In this paper we report the case of aplastic anemia induced by low-level benzene exposure.
EPA might tighten regulations on gas additive that fouls water
Published Friday, February 25, 2000, in the Lexington Herald-Leader
ASSOCIATED PRESS, LOUISVILLE
The Environmental Protection Agency might tighten controls over an additive that produces cleaner gasoline but is fouling water in many states, including Kentucky.
Four state legislators already have expressed their concern by pressing for a General Assembly resolution supporting an MTBE ban in Kentucky. The lawmakers acted as the EPA notified the federal Office of Management and Budget that it wants public comment on a proposal to regulate MTBE under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Tighter regulation could lead to phasing out the additive, which has been turning up in groundwater, lakes and rivers from California to Maine.
The resolution by state Sen. Dan Seum, R-Louisville, and his colleagues urges the state Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet to develop drinking-water standards for MTBE and to increase testing for the chemical. Kentucky environmental officials have found no current or imminent threat to water supplies.
BP OIL -- GASOLINE BP REGULAR UNLEADED (RFG W-MTBE)
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
NSN: 9130013884080
Manufacturer's CAGE: 0NDT1
Part No. Indicator: A
Part Number/Trade Name: GASOLINE BP REGULAR UNLEADED (RFG W/MTBE)
===========================================================================
General Information
===========================================================================
Item Name: GASOLINE/BLENDED; MOTOR FUEL
Company's Name: BP OIL CO
Company's Street: 200 PUBLIC SQ
Company's City: CLEVELAND
Company's State: OH
Company's Country: US
Company's Zip Code: 44114-2375
Company's Emerg Ph #: 216-586-4219/800-321-8642
Company's Info Ph #: 216-586-4219/800-321-8642
Record No. For Safety Entry: 001
Tot Safety Entries This Stk#: 001
Status: SE
Date MSDS Prepared: 08JUN94
Safety Data Review Date: 01MAR96
Preparer's Company: BP OIL CO
Preparer's St Or P. O. Box: 200 PUBLIC SQ
Preparer's City: CLEVELAND
Preparer's State: OH
Preparer's Zip Code: 44114-2375
MSDS Serial Number: BYPGP
===========================================================================
Ingredients/Identity Information
===========================================================================
Proprietary: NO
Ingredient: METHYL TERT BUTYL ETHER (MTBE), 2-METHOXY-2-METHYL PROPANE,
T-BUTYLMETHYL ETHER *96-1*
Ingredient Sequence Number: 01
Percent: 15
NIOSH (RTECS) Number: KN5250000
CAS Number: 1634-04-4
-------------------------------------
Proprietary: NO
Ingredient: XYLENE, DIMETHYLBENZENE, XYLOL (IARC - GROUP 3) *95-4*
Ingredient Sequence Number: 02
Percent: 9
NIOSH (RTECS) Number: ZE2100000
CAS Number: 1330-20-7
OSHA PEL: 100 PPM
ACGIH TLV: 100 PPM, SKIN
Other Recommended Limit: 100 PPM
-------------------------------------
Proprietary: NO
Ingredient: TOLUENE (IARC CARC- GROUP 3) *95-4*
Ingredient Sequence Number: 03
Percent: 6
NIOSH (RTECS) Number: XS5250000
CAS Number: 108-88-3
OSHA PEL: 100 PPM
ACGIH TLV: 100 PPM
Other Recommended Limit: 375 MG/CUM
-------------------------------------
Proprietary: NO
Ingredient: 1,2,4-TRIMETHYLBENZENE *95-4*
Ingredient Sequence Number: 04
Percent: 3
NIOSH (RTECS) Number: DC3325000
CAS Number: 95-63-6
ACGIH TLV: 25 PPM
-------------------------------------
Proprietary: NO
Ingredient: BENZENE (SUSPECTED HUMAN CARC BY ACGIH, IARC, ANIMAL
CARCINOGEN BY IARC, CARCINOGEN BY NTP - IARC GROUP 1) *95-4*
Ingredient Sequence Number: 05
Percent: 2
NIOSH (RTECS) Number: CY1400000
CAS Number: 71-43-2
ACGIH TLV: 0.3 MG/CUM (A2) IC
Other Recommended Limit: 16 MG/CUM
-------------------------------------
Proprietary: NO
Ingredient: ETHYL BENZENE *95-4*
Ingredient Sequence Number: 06
Percent: 2
NIOSH (RTECS) Number: DA0700000
CAS Number: 100-41-4
OSHA PEL: 435 MG/CUM
ACGIH TLV: 434 MG/CUM
Other Recommended Limit: 100 PPM
-------------------------------------
Proprietary: NO
Ingredient: CYCLOHEXANE
Ingredient Sequence Number: 07
Percent: 1
NIOSH (RTECS) Number: GU6300000
CAS Number: 110-82-7
OSHA PEL: 1050 MG/CUM
ACGIH TLV: 1030 MG/CUM
Other Recommended Limit: 300 PPM
-------------------------------------
Proprietary: NO
Ingredient: GASOLINE
Ingredient Sequence Number: 08
Percent: 85-86
NIOSH (RTECS) Number: LX3300000
CAS Number: 8006-61-9
ACGIH TLV: 890 MG/CUM
Other Recommended Limit: 300 PPM
===========================================================================
Physical/Chemical Characteristics
===========================================================================
Appearance And Odor: CLEAR LIQUID W/A STRONG HYDROCARBON ODOR
Boiling Point: 80-440F
Vapor Pressure (MM Hg/70 F): 760
Vapor Density (Air=1): 1.2
Specific Gravity: 0.72-0.74
Evaporation Rate And Ref: (WATER = 1): >1
Solubility In Water: NEGLIGIBLE
Percent Volatiles By Volume: 100
===========================================================================
Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
===========================================================================
Flash Point: -35F
Flash Point Method: TCC
Lower Explosive Limit: 1.4
Upper Explosive Limit: 7.6
Extinguishing Media: DRY CHEMICAL, ALCOHOL FOAM, CLASS B EXTINGUISHERS,
CO2.
Special Fire Fighting Proc: WATER MAY BE INEFFECTIVE, USE TO COOL FIRE
EXPOSED CONTAINERS. FIREFIGHTERS MUST WEAR MSHA/NIOSH APPROVED POSITIVE
PRESSURE SCBA W/FULL FACE MASK/CLOTHING.
Unusual Fire And Expl Hazrds: VAPORS MAY FORM FLAMMABLE/EXPLOSIVE
MIXTURES
W/AIR. VAPOR/GAS MAY SPREAD TO DISTANT IGNITION SOURCES & FLASHBACK.
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN HEAT OF FIRE.
===========================================================================
Reactivity Data
===========================================================================
Stability: YES
Cond To Avoid (Stability): HEAT, SOURCES OF IGNITION
Materials To Avoid: STRONG OXIDIZERS & ALKALI METALS, STRONG
ACIDS/BASES.
Hazardous Decomp Products: CO, CO2, HYDROCARBONS
Hazardous Poly Occur: NO
===========================================================================
Health Hazard Data
===========================================================================
Route Of Entry - Inhalation: YES
Route Of Entry - Skin: NO
Route Of Entry - Ingestion: YES
Health Haz Acute And Chronic: INGESTION: HARMFUL/FATAL. ASPIRATION
HAZARD,
CAN ENTER LUNGS & CAUSE PNEUMONITIS/DAMAGE. IRRITATION, HARMFUL CNS
EFFECTS, RESPIRATORY ARREST, DEATH. INHALATION: RESPIRATORY TRACT
IRRITATION, CNS EFFECTS, IRREGULAR HEAT RHYTHMS. SKIN: IRRITATION,
BURNS.
EYES: IRRITATION, CONJUNCTIVITIS.
Carcinogenicity - NTP: YES
Carcinogenicity - IARC: YES
Carcinogenicity - OSHA: NO
Explanation Carcinogenicity: SEE INGREDIENTS.
Signs/Symptoms Of Overexp: IRRITATION, GI DISTURBANCES, NAUSEA,
VOMITING,
DIARRHEA, EXCITATION, EUPHORIA, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, DROWSINESS, BLURRED
VISION, FATIGUE, TREMORS, CONVULSIONS, LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS, COMA,
DEFATTING, REDNESS, ITCHING, CRACKING OF SKIN, BURNS, SWOLLEN &
DISCOLORED
TISSUE, PAIN, LACRIMATION, INFLAMMATION.
Med Cond Aggravated By Exp: PRE-EXISTING EYE, SKIN & RESPIRATORY
DISORDERS.
Emergency/First Aid Proc: INGESTION: DON'T INDUCE VOMITING. ASPIRATION
HAZARD. SKIN: WASH W/SOAP & WATER. INJECTIONS NEED SERIOUS MEDICAL
ATTENTION. EYES: FLUSH W/WATER FOR 15 MINS. INHALATION: REMOVE TO FRESH
AIR. GIVE OXYGEN/CPR AS NEEDED. NOTE TO PHYSICIAN: ACUTE CHEMICAL
PNEUMONITIS CAN RAPIDLY PROGRESS TO RESPIRATORY FAILURE. FOR SKIN
INJECTION
CONSIDER DEBRIDEMENT TO MINIMIZE NECROSIS & TISSUE LOSS. (SEE SUPP)
===========================================================================
Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
===========================================================================
Steps If Matl Released/Spill: SHUT OFF IGNITION SOURCES. STOP LEAK
SAFELY.
WATER SPRAY MAY REDUCE VAPOR IN CLOSED SPACES. SMALL: TAKE UP
W/SAND/OTHER
NONCOMBUSTIBLE ABSORBENT MATERIAL & PLACE INTO CONTAINERS FOR LATER
DISPOSAL. LARGE: DIKE FAR AHEAD OF LIQUID FOR LATER DISPOSAL.
Waste Disposal Method: THE TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE, TREATMENT & DISPOSAL
OF THIS WASTE IAW/FEDERAL, STATE & LOCAL REGULATIONS. FLAMMABLE LIQUID
UN1203.
Precautions-Handling/Storing: STORE GASOLINE ONLY IN APPROVED, CLEARLY
LABELED CONTAINERS. NEVER STORE IN GLASS/UNAPPROVED PLASTIC CONTAINERS.
STORE IN TIGHTLY CLOSED CONTAINERS.
Other Precautions: STORE IN A COOL, DRY ISOLATED, WELL VENTILATED AREA
AWAY FROM HEAT. GROUND LINES & EQUIPMENT USED DURING TRANSFER TO REDUCE
STATIC SPARK, FIRE/EXPLOSION. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DON'T
SIPHON
PRODUCT BY MOUTH. (SEE SUPP)
===========================================================================
Control Measures
===========================================================================
Respiratory Protection: USE NIOSH APPROVED RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SHOULD
BE WORN. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION MAY BE NEEDED FOR NON-ROUTINE/EMERGENCY
SITUATIONS.
Ventilation: VENTILATION & OTHER FORMS OF CONTROLS ARE PREFERRED FOR
CONTROLLING CHEMICAL EXPOSURES.
Protective Gloves: IMPERVIOUS
Eye Protection: SAFETY GLASSES/CHEMICAL GOGGLES
Other Protective Equipment: PROTECTIVE CLOTHING.
Work Hygienic Practices: REMOVE/LAUNDER CONTAMINATED CLOTHING BEFORE
REUSE. WASH HANDS BEFORE EATING, DRINKING, SMOKING/USING TOILET
FACILITIES.
Suppl. Safety & Health Data: USE GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE PRACTICES. SHOWER
AFTER WORK USING SOAP & WATER. FIRST AID: OBTAIN MEDICAL ATTENTION IN
ALL
CASES. PREC: DON'T USE FOR CLEANING, PRESSURE APPLIANCE FUEL. EMPTY
CONTAINERS MAY CONTAIN TOXIC, FLAMMABLE/COMBUSTIBLE/EXPLOSIVE RESIDUE/
VAPORS. DON'T CUT/GRIND/DRILL/WELD, REUSE/DISPOSE CONTAINERS.
===========================================================================
Transportation Data
===========================================================================
===========================================================================
Disposal Data
===========================================================================
===========================================================================
Label Data
===========================================================================
Label Required: YES
Label Status: G
Common Name: GASOLINE BP REGULAR UNLEADED (RFG W/MTBE)
Special Hazard Precautions: INGESTION: HARMFUL/FATAL. ASPIRATION HAZARD,
CAN ENTER LUNGS & CAUSE PNEUMONITIS/DAMAGE. IRRITATION, HARMFUL CNS
EFFECTS, RESPIRATORY ARREST, DEATH. INHALATION: RESPIRATORY TRACT
IRRITATION, CNS EFFECTS, IRREGULAR HEAT RHYTHMS. SKIN: IRRITATION,
BURNS.
EYES: IRRITATION, CONJUNCTIVITIS. IRRITATION, GI DISTURBANCES, NAUSEA,
VOMITING, DIARRHEA, EXCITATION, EUPHORIA, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS,
DROWSINESS,
BLURRED VISION, FATIGUE, TREMORS, CONVULSIONS, LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS,
COMA,
DEFATTING, REDNESS, ITCHING, CRACKING OF SKIN, BURNS, SWOLLEN &
DISCOLORED
TISSUE, PAIN, LACRIMATION, INFLAMMATION.
Label Name: BP OIL CO
Label Street: 200 PUBLIC SQ
Label City: CLEVELAND
Label State: OH
Label Zip Code: 44114-2375
Label Country: US
Label Emergency Number: 216-586-4219/800-321-8642