What You Need to Know About ...
What You Need to Know About ... Colonial Pipeline Company
GASOLINE
What is Gasoline?
Gasoline is a refined liquid petroleum product most typically used as a fuel for automotive engines. Gasoline has the following characteristics:
A colorless, or dyed liquid Very flammable; catches fire easily when exposed to an ignition source Evaporates quickly , and when released as a vapor can form explosive mixtures with air Not readily dissolved in water, although some of the chemicals that make up gasoline can dissolve in water Distinctive odor; most people can begin to smell gasoline at 0.25 parts per million, far below the threshold that can cause adverse health effects
How Does Gasoline React When Released to the Environment? Gasoline is a mixture of many different chemicals. When released to the atmosphere, most chemicals in gasoline will evaporate. Others may dissolve in water or absorb in soil. The chemicals that evaporate are broken down by sunlight and other chemicals in the air. The chemicals that dissolve in water break down by natural processes. Most chemicals in gasoline do not build up to high levels in plants or animals. What are the Health Effects of Gasoline Exposure? According to the Centers for Disease Control, the effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depends on the amount you are exposed to, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits, and whether any other chemicals are present. Gasoline exposure can occur in a number of ways:
ing of the throat and stomach, inebriation-like symptoms, vomiting, drowsiness, nausea and fever, possible pneumonia (if vomited). Inhaling or swallowing large amounts of gasoline can cause loss of consciousness or even death. Death from gasoline inhalation has occurred at 10,000—20,000 ppm or when approximately 12 ounces of gasoline are swallowed. Are There Other Risks? In both the liquid and vapor form, gasoline is easily ignited by heat, sparks or flame. Vapors may travel to the source of ignition and flash back. Never drive into a vapor cloud. Do not operate equipment, turn lights on or off, use a cell phone or otherwise create an ignition source in the vicinity of a gasoline release. Instead, leave on foot, moving in an upwind direction. Avoid low spots, where gasoline vapors may collect. How Can I Limit My Exposure? Following a release of gasoline to the environment, air, water, and soil will be closely monitored by Colonial as well as state, local and federal agencies to determine exposure levels. You may be asked to evacuate an area or to close windows and shelter in place to limit your exposure to gasoline vapors. Never touch any released product. To ensure your safety, always heed the instructions and directives provided by local emergency responders. If you have an immediate health and safety emergency related to gasoline exposure, please call 911.
Inhalation: Breathing gasoline vapors, can cause dizziness, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Prolonged exposure can cause asphyxiation.
Eye Contact: Gasoline can cause eye irritation Ingestion: When swallowed, gasoline can cause burn-
Skin Contact and Absorption: Gasoline in contact with the skin can cause moderate irritation with repeated contact.
SOURCE: Center for Disease Control (CDC) For additional information about gasoline health risks, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/ToxCommunity.asp
GASOLINE
What is Gasoline?
Gasoline is a refined liquid petroleum product most typically used as a fuel for automotive engines. Gasoline has the following characteristics:
A colorless, or dyed liquid Very flammable; catches fire easily when exposed to an ignition source Evaporates quickly , and when released as a vapor can form explosive mixtures with air Not readily dissolved in water, although some of the chemicals that make up gasoline can dissolve in water Distinctive odor; most people can begin to smell gasoline at 0.25 parts per million, far below the threshold that can cause adverse health effects
How Does Gasoline React When Released to the Environment? Gasoline is a mixture of many different chemicals. When released to the atmosphere, most chemicals in gasoline will evaporate. Others may dissolve in water or absorb in soil. The chemicals that evaporate are broken down by sunlight and other chemicals in the air. The chemicals that dissolve in water break down by natural processes. Most chemicals in gasoline do not build up to high levels in plants or animals. What are the Health Effects of Gasoline Exposure? According to the Centers for Disease Control, the effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depends on the amount you are exposed to, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits, and whether any other chemicals are present. Gasoline exposure can occur in a number of ways:
ing of the throat and stomach, inebriation-like symptoms, vomiting, drowsiness, nausea and fever, possible pneumonia (if vomited). Inhaling or swallowing large amounts of gasoline can cause loss of consciousness or even death. Death from gasoline inhalation has occurred at 10,000—20,000 ppm or when approximately 12 ounces of gasoline are swallowed. Are There Other Risks? In both the liquid and vapor form, gasoline is easily ignited by heat, sparks or flame. Vapors may travel to the source of ignition and flash back. Never drive into a vapor cloud. Do not operate equipment, turn lights on or off, use a cell phone or otherwise create an ignition source in the vicinity of a gasoline release. Instead, leave on foot, moving in an upwind direction. Avoid low spots, where gasoline vapors may collect. How Can I Limit My Exposure? Following a release of gasoline to the environment, air, water, and soil will be closely monitored by Colonial as well as state, local and federal agencies to determine exposure levels. You may be asked to evacuate an area or to close windows and shelter in place to limit your exposure to gasoline vapors. Never touch any released product. To ensure your safety, always heed the instructions and directives provided by local emergency responders. If you have an immediate health and safety emergency related to gasoline exposure, please call 911.
Inhalation: Breathing gasoline vapors, can cause dizziness, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Prolonged exposure can cause asphyxiation.
Eye Contact: Gasoline can cause eye irritation Ingestion: When swallowed, gasoline can cause burn-
Skin Contact and Absorption: Gasoline in contact with the skin can cause moderate irritation with repeated contact.
SOURCE: Center for Disease Control (CDC) For additional information about gasoline health risks, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/ToxCommunity.asp
