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results are presented in the tables below without consideration for sample collection time. ThThe overall exposure was 0.79 ppm [0.01- 10.6 ppm] whereas the overall eight-hour time-TWA exposure was 0.184 ppm for both the personal and area samples collected by OSHA. Based on this limited evidence, nearly 94.5 percent of the personal and area samples were above the proposed ACGIH TLV of 0.02 ppm for an eight-hour TWA.
Conclusions
The limited sampling evidence by OSHA suggests that most workers are not exposed above the OSHA PEL. As further epidemiological evidence evolves and the ACGIH exposure guidelines are revised downward to protect against various forms of cancer; there is a critical need to re-evaluate worker risk to benzene exposure. Bulk sample results suggest that the concentration of benzene may be above the 0.1 percent (w/w) OSHA reportable threshold as an ingredient or mixture in chemical products. Petroleum products should be investigated to determine the potential for generating occupational benzene vapor exposures above established guidelines.
If the ACGIH TLVs are modified as intended, further occupational risk assessments will be needed for all workplaces where benzene vapor may be found in indoor and outdoor working environments, operations and processes. Industry and public support may be needed to lower the current OSHA PEL
and STEL and improve worker protection based on the evidence provided in the ACGIH TLV documentation.
Bernard L. Fontaine, Jr. is the Managing Partner at ThThe Windsor Consulting Group, Inc.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/toxzine/benzene_toxzine.html 2. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ toxprofiles/tp3.pdf
3. Glass DC, Adams GG, Manuell RW, Bisby JA 2000. Retrospective exposure assessment for benzene in the Australian petroleum industry. Ann Occup Hyg, 44(4):301–20.
4. http://www.icis.com/Articles/2009/02/16/9192064/Chemical-profile- Benzene.html.
5. Kalnas J, Teitelbaum DT. Dermal absorption of benzene: implications for work practices and regulations. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2000 Apr- Jun;6(2):114-21
6. Yardley-Jones A, Anderson D, Parke DV. The toxicity of benzene and its metabolism and molecular pathology in human risk assessment. Br J Ind Med. 1991 Jul;48(7):437-44
7. Austin CC, Wang D, Ecobichon DJ, Dussault G (2001). Characterization of volatile organic compounds in smoke at municipal structural fires. J Toxicol Environ Health A, 63(6):437–58.
8. https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/industry.html
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