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Benzene. Benzene, also known as benzol, is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. Benzene is
<br /> a known carcinogen or cancer causing agent. Benzene enters the body through the lungs,
<br /> gastrointestinal tract, and across the skin. Brief exposure (5 -10 minutes) to very high levels of
<br /> benzene in air can result in death. Lower levels of exposure can cause drowsiness, dizziness,
<br /> rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness. Continuous exposure to
<br /> benzene can lead to anemia and excessive bleeding, and may be harmful to the immune
<br /> system by increasing the chance for infection and perhaps lowering the body's defense against
<br /> cancer.
<br /> Exposure to benzene has been associated with development of a particular type of leukemia
<br /> called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The Department of Health and Human Services, the
<br /> International Agency for Cancer Research and the EPA has determined that benzene causes
<br /> cancer.
<br /> Exposure to benzene may be harmful to human reproductive organs. Benzene can pass from
<br /> the mother's blood to a fetus, but it is not known what effects exposure to benzene might have
<br /> on the developing fetus in pregnant women or on fertility in men. However, studies with
<br /> pregnant animals show that breathing benzene has harmful effects on the devebping fetus.
<br /> These effects include low birth weight, delayed bone formation, and bone marrow damage.
<br /> Children can be affected by benzene exposure in the same ways as adults, and is not known if
<br /> children are more susceptible to benzene poisoning than adults (Public Health Statement for
<br /> Benzene, Draft for Public Comment, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,
<br /> September 2005, CAS#: 71- 43 -2).
<br /> Chromium. Chromium is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, soil,
<br /> and in volcanic dust and gases. Chromium cannot be tasted and has no odor. Chromium is
<br /> present in the environment in several different forms. The most common forms are
<br /> chromium(0), chromium(VI), and chromium(VI), also known as hexavalent chromium.
<br /> Chromium(VI) and chromium(0) are usually produced by industrial processes. Breathing high
<br /> levels of chromium(VI) can cause irritation to the nose, such as runny nose, nosebleeds, and
<br /> ulcers and holes in the nasal septum. Chromium(VI) at high levels can damage the nose and
<br /> can cause cancer. Ingesting large amounts of chromium(VI) can cause stomach upsets and
<br /> ulcers, convulsions, kidney and liver damage, and even death. Skin contact with certain
<br /> chromium(VI) compounds can cause skin ulcers. Some people are extremely sensitive to
<br /> chromium(VI) or chromium(VI). Allergic reactions consisting of severe redness and swelling of
<br /> the skin have been noted (ToxFAQs for Chromium, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
<br /> Registry, February 2001, CAS#: 7440- 47 -3).
<br /> Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a nearly colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor even
<br /> at very low concentrations (below 1 ppm). Formaldehyde is a potent sensitizer and a probable
<br /> human carcinogen or cancer- causing agent. Formaldehyde is an eye, skin, and respiratory tract
<br /> irritant; inhalation of vapors can produce narrowing of the bronchi and accumulation of fluid in
<br /> the lungs.
<br /> Children may be more susceptible than adults to the respiratory effects of formaldehyde. Even
<br /> fairly low concentrations of formaldehyde can produce rapid onset of nose and throat irritation,
<br /> causing cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Higher exposures can cause
<br /> significant inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, resulting in swelling of the throat,
<br /> inflammation of the windpipe and bronchi, narrowing of the bronchi, inflammation of the lungs,
<br /> and accumulation of fluid in the lungs (Medical Management Guidelines for Formaldehyde,
<br /> Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, CAS#: 50 -00-0, updated 11/02/06).
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