EXPOSURE TO VAPORS OF BENZENE AND OTHER AROMATIC SOLVENTS IN TANK TRUCK LOADING AND DELIVERY

Benzene is an established human leukemogen. Whereas current solvent products seldomly contain this insidious toxic chemical, it is present in various petroleum distillates, among which fuel gasoline is a typical product. Accordingly, attention has been paid to gasoline tank truck drivers and bulk marketing terminal personnel. The present study was initiated to examine the extent of occupational exposure of tank truck drivers to benzene and other aromatic solvents. Special references were made to the comparison of top and bottom loading of gasoline as a possible trigger for the reduction of solvent exposure at loading racks.