Gasoline exposure risk

[SOP8920@Siena.edu]

Hi folks,
   In light of the recent discussion of Christian's unfortunate accident I took
it upon myself to investigate a bit. I dug up the following article on the
internet and thought I'd submit it to the list. Pardon the non-Audi content but
it was information that surprised me and made me realize the gravity of
Christian's situation. 
   Note, the abstract deals with absorption of gasoline through the lungs (from
refilling vapors). However, to the best of my understanding, Gasoline is
readily absorbed through the skin as well.
   Read on:


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                         Environmental Health Monthly
                                       
  Volume 7, Number 4 - January 1995
  
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
   Mehlman, M. Dangerous and cancer-causing properties of products and
   chemicals in the oil refining and petrochemical industry.
   Environmental Research, 59: 238-249 (1992).
   
   Sawyer, R. F. Trends in auto emissions and gasoline composition.
   Environmental Health Perspectives Supplements, 101(Suppl. 6): 5-12
   (1993).
   
  Abstract: Health Effects of Gasoline: Carcinogenicity
  
   Gasoline is a complex chemical mixture containing more than 1000
   possible substances. Gasoline vapors are released at bulking plants,
   refineries, during tank and barge transport and when refueling
   automobiles at service stations. According to the US Environmental
   Protection Agency, approximately 40% of all gasoline releases occur
   during refueling. Exposure to gasoline during refueling represents a
   major source of exposure of the general population to toxic
   substances.
   
   In this paper, Myron Mehlman provides a review of the evidence of the
   carcinogenicity of gasoline and its constituents. Overall, Mehlman
   concluded that "significant increases in tumors of the kidney, liver
   and other tissues and organs following exposure to gasoline provide
   sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity." In looking at the specific
   constituents of gasoline, Mehlman found that benzene has been
   established "without question" as a human carcinogen; that
   1,3butadiene is a "powerful carcinogen in both animals and humans" and
   that sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of alkyl benzenes,
   significant components of gasoline, has been established.
   
   Mehlman also examined the evidence from 29 human epidemiological
   studies and concluded that these studies indicate that there have been
   "important increases in the cancers of the kidney, stomach, brain,
   pancreas, prostrate, lung and skin as well as hematopoietic and
   lymphatic leukemias as a result of exposure to gasoline, its
   components and its vapors."
   
   Control programs to limit the exposure of the general population to
   gasoline vapors have been implemented in California, Missouri, New
   Jersey, New York and the District of Columbia. Other states are
   considering specific control programs as well. Another way to control
   emissions is to alter the composition of gasoline. Many oil companies
   are now doing by using reformulated "blends" that include an oxygenate
   additive such as ethanol or methyl tertbutyl ether (MTBE), lower
   aromatic content (primarily as benzene), lower olefin content, lower
   vapor pressure and reduced sulfur content. Alternate fuels such as
   methane, methanol and liquid petroleum gas are also being considered.
   
   However, caution must be taken in turning to some of these
   alternatives. For example, substitutes such as MTBE increase
   formaldehyde emissions. Formaldehyde is a potential human carcinogen,
   irritant and allergic sensitizer that may bring on other health
   hazards. We do not want to trade one evil for another.
   
   This issue of EHM, containing the full-text studies upon which this
   abstract is based, can be ordered from CCHW (703) 237-2249.
     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
                                      
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Christian may not have any health affects right now, or 10 years from now.
However, in the future he might have many due to this exposure. 
FYI...

Take care!

                               -Osman Parvez
                                89 200q (156K miles)
                                Siena College
                                Albany NY