1. Safety Slide - Benzene Sources
Crude Oil, Petroleum, Fire, Industrial Emissions, Tobacco, Organic Solvent, Soda
Properties
Colorless, Aromatic Odor, Highly Flammable, Volatile, Carcinogenic, Mutagenic
Symptoms (Inhalation & Ingestion)
Short Term - Sneezing, Coughing, Drowsiness, Confusion, Rapid & irregular heart beat, Death
Long Term - Cancer, Leukemia, Memory Loss, Excessive bleeding, Weaken the immune system, Death
Exposure Limits
1 ppm in the workplace during an 8 hour, 5 ppm for 15 minutes - OSHA
“It is generally considered that the only absolutely safe concentration for benzene is zero“ - American Petroleum Institute
Safe Handling
Fume hood, PPE, Store in tightly closed container
First Aid & Emergency Response
Eye or Skin Contact – Flush with plenty of water
Ingestion – Get Medical Attention, Loosen tight clothing, Do not induce vomiting