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Benzene, Toluene & Xylene
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- DVD
Discusses where aromatic hydrocarbons are found, hazardous properties, effects of exposure.
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About aromatic hydrocarbons Aromatic hydrocarbons, so named for their characteristic strong, sweet odor, are found in nature in volcanoes and wood fires. They are also produced commercially and have many industrial uses, most notably as a solvent for numerous materials and as a fuel additive. Benzene, toluene and xylene, the most widely used aromatic hydrocarbons, are very useful chemicals, however they are also extremely hazardous. Known to be carcinogenic, some workers exposed long-term to benzene have been known to develop leukemia. These chemicals are also easily ignited, and while burning will produce CO2 and CO. Clearly it is essential that workers who handle aromatic hydrocarbons be well trained in their hazard properties and safe handling techniques, and that emergency responders who may respond to an incident involving aromatic hydrocarbons learn safe response tactics. About the program "Benzene, Toluene & Xylene," teaches the basic hazard properties of these chemicals as well as safety techniques for handling and emergency response.
The program explains the symptoms of human exposure and warns about short and long term health effects. Environmental concerns are also covered, and the film offers some good information for controlling spills of these products in water supplies. Proper protective clothing for workers is discussed as well as safe storage procedures, safety equipment, ventilation, fire protection systems and alarms, controlling sources of ignition, and diking of bulk tanks. The program includes exciting footage of a true major incident involving aromatic hydrocarbons, and discusses how uncontrolled spills typically occur. It offers methods for identifying hazardous products and tells what types of containers are typically used for storage and transport of benzene, toluene and xylene. The importance of controlling all sources of ignition is stressed, as well as why it might be best to let a fire burn rather than attempting to extinguish. Other topics covered include the benefits of foam versus water for controlling vapors and flames, monitoring for toxic atmospheres, respiratory protection and protective clothing for leaks, spills and fires, controlling runoff, monitoring cleanup operations and decon procedures. (28 minutes)
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