TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR 

GASOLINE 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
 

Public Health Service
 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
 

June 1995 
GASOLINE ii 

DISCLAIMER 

The use of company or product name(s) is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 
GASOLINE iii 

UPDATE STATEMENT
 

A Toxicological Profile for Gasoline was released on September 6, 1994. This edition supersedes any 

previously released draft or final profile. 

Toxicological profiles are revised and republished as necessary, but no less than once every three 

years. For information regarding the update status of previously released profiles, contact ATSDR at: 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch 

1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29 



GASOLINE vii 

CONTRIBUTORS 

CHEMICAL MANAGER(S)/AUTHORS(S):
 

Carolyn Harper, Ph.D.
 

ATSDR, Division of Toxicology, Atlanta, GA
 

John J. Liccione, Ph.D.
 

Sciences International, Inc., Alexandria, VA
 

THE PROFILE HAS UNDERGONE THE FOLLOWING ATSDR INTERNAL REVIEWS:
 

1 . Green Border Review. Green Border review assures the consistency with ATSDR policy. 

2 . Health Effects Review. The Health Effects Review Committee examines the health effects 

chapter of each profile for consistency and accuracy in interpreting health effects and 

classifying endpoints. 

3 . Minimal Risk Level Review. The Minimal Risk Level Workgroup considers issues relevant to 

substance-specific minimal risk levels (MRLs), reviews the health effects database of each 

profile, and makes recommendations for derivation of MRLs. 

4. Quality Assurance Review. The Quality Assurance Branch assures that consistency across 

profiles is maintained, identifies any significant problems in format or content, and establishes 

that Guidance has been followed. 

GASOLINE ix 

PEER REVIEW
 

A peer review panel was assembled for gasoline. The panel consisted of the following members: 

1 .	 Dr. Carson Conaway, Research Scientist, Division of Pathology/Toxicology, American Health 

Foundation, Valhalla, New York 

2.	 Dr. Carroll Snyder, Director, Laboratory of Inhalation Carcinogenicity and Toxicology, New 

York University, A.J. Lanza Laboratories, Tuxedo, New York 

3. Dr. Charles Ward, Private Consultant, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

These experts collectively have knowledge of gasoline’s physical and chemical properties, toxicokinetics, 

key health end points, mechanisms of action, human and animal exposure, and quantification of risk to 

humans. All reviewers were selected in conformity with the conditions for peer review specified in Section 

104(i)(13) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended. 

Scientists from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have reviewed the 

peer reviewers’ comments and determined which comments will be included in the profile. A listing 

of the peer reviewers’ comments not incorporated in the profile, with a brief explanation of the 

rationale for their exclusion, exists as part of the administrative record for this compound. A list of 

databases reviewed and a list of unpublished documents cited are also included in the administrative 

record. 

The citation of the peer review panel should not be understood to imply its approval of the profile’s 

final content. The responsibility for the content of this profile lies with the ATSDR. 





GASOLINE xv 

LIST OF FIGURES 

2-l Levels of Significant Exposure to Gasoline - Inhalation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
 

2-2 Levels of Significant Exposure to Gasoline - Oral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
 

2-3 Existing Information on Health Effects of Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
 

5-l Frequency of NPL Sites with Gasoline Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
 



GASOLINE 1 

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

This statement was prepared to give you information about gasoline and to emphasize the 

human health effects that may result from exposure to it. The Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) has identified 1,397 sites on its National Priorities List (NPL). Gasoline has 

been found in at least 23 of these sites. However, we do not know how many of the 

1,397 NPL sites have been evaluated for gasoline. As EPA evaluates more sites, the number 

of sites at which gasoline is found may change. This information is important for you to 

know because gasoline may cause harmful health effects and because these sites are potential 

or actual sources of human exposure to gasoline. 

When a chemical is released from a large area, such as an industrial plant, or from a 

container, such as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment as a chemical emission. This 

emission, which is also called a release, may lead to exposure. You can be exposed to a 

chemical only when you come into contact with the chemical. You may be exposed to it in 

the environment by breathing, eating, or drinking substances containing the chemical or from 

skin contact with it. 

If you are exposed to a hazardous chemical such as gasoline, several factors will determine 

whether harmful health effects will occur and what the type and severity of those health 

effects will be. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), the 

route or pathway by which you are exposed (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), the 

other chemicals to which you are exposed, and your individual characteristics such as age, 

sex, nutritional status, family traits, lifestyle, and state of health. 
GASOLINE 2 

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

1.1 WHAT IS GASOLINE? 

Gasoline is a complex manufactured mixture that does not exist naturally in the environment. 

However, for the most part, chemicals that are in gasoline are generally present in several 

physical states (gaseous, liquid, or others) in human settlements. Gasoline is produced from 

petroleum in the refining process. The gasoline discussed in this profile is automotive 

gasoline used as a fuel for engines in automobiles and other vehicles. Aviation gasoline and 

other types of fuels, such as diesel and jet fuels, fuel oils, and products that result when 

gasoline is burned, are not discussed in this profile. The ATSDR toxicological profiles on jet 

fuels, Otto Fuels II, and fuel oils have further information on other types of fuels. 

Typically, gasoline contains more than 150 chemicals including small amounts of benzene, 

toluene, xylene, and sometimes lead. How the gasoline is made determines which chemicals 

are present in the gasoline mixture and how much of each is present. The actual composition 

varies with the source of the crude petroleum, the manufacturer, and the time of year. 

Gasoline is a colorless, pale brown, or pink liquid. Gasoline is very flammable; it catches on 

fire quite easily, evaporates quickly, and forms explosive mixtures with air. Most people can 

begin to smell gasoline at 0.25 parts of gasoline per million parts of air (ppm). Gasoline may 

be present in the air, groundwater, and soil. Gasoline does not dissolve readily in water. 

However, some of the chemicals that make up gasoline can dissolve easily in water. See 

Chapter 3 for more information on the chemical and physical properties of gasoline and 

Chapter 4 for its production and use. 

1.2 WHAT HAPPENS TO GASOLINE WHEN IT ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT? 

Gasoline is a mixture of many different chemicals. Small amounts of these chemicals 

evaporate into the air when you fill the gas tank in your car or when gasoline is accidentally 

spilled onto surfaces and soils or into surface waters. Other chemicals in gasoline dissolve in 
GASOLINE 3 

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

water after spills to surface waters or underground storage tank leaks into the groundwater. 

The movement of individual chemicals in gasoline is influenced by physical and chemical 

properties, such as how easily they dissolve in water, how quickly they evaporate, and 

whether they stick to soil. In surface releases, most chemicals in gasoline will probably 

evaporate; others may dissolve in and be carried away by water; a few will probably stick to 

soil. The chemicals that evaporate are broken down by sunlight and other chemicals in the 

air; the completion of this process may take from hours to weeks. The chemicals that 

dissolve in water also break down quickly by natural processes. Most chemicals in gasoline 

do not build up to high levels in plants or animals. For more information on what happens to 

gasoline when it enters the environment, see Chapter 5. 

1.3 HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED TO GASOLINE? 

The most likely way that you might be exposed to gasoline is by breathing its vapors at a 

service station when you are filling your car’s fuel tank. If an attendant fills your car’s fuel 

tank, you may still be exposed to vapors, but not as much as when you fill it yourself. If the 

hose from the gas tank leaks or you overfill your tank, you may be exposed to more gasoline 

vapors or some gasoline may spill on your skin. If you work at a service station, you will be 

exposed to more gasoline and its vapors than someone who just fills the car up occasionally. 

Air levels as high as 99 ppm were measured at one gas station during filling of a car’s tank 

with gasoline. When you use equipment that runs on gasoline (for example, a lawn mower), 

you may be exposed to gasoline or its vapors when you fill the gas tank (especially when the 

engine is hot) or. operate the machine. 

You may also be exposed to gasoline if you use or drink contaminated water. However, most 

of the chemicals in gasoline are usually removed by purification processes before the water 

enters drinking water supplies. Gasoline can seep into groundwater from leaking underground 

pipelines or storage tanks. There is no information on how much gasoline may be in 
GASOLINE 4 

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

groundwater after a leak, but in some instances gasoline has been found floating on top of 

groundwater that is used to supply drinking water to homes. According to one estimate, as 

many as 75,000-100,000 underground storage tanks leak millions of gallons of gasoline into 

groundwater each year. Some of the chemicals making up the gasoline mix with the water; 

you would be exposed to these chemicals when you drink the water, bathe or shower with it, 

or otherwise use it. 

Another way you might be exposed to gasoline or its vapors is by being close to a spot where 

gasoline has spilled or leaked into the soil. Information on the amount of gasoline that has 

seeped into the soil from spills, storage tanks, or pipelines is not available. 

Certain workers have a greater risk of exposure to gasoline vapors. These include service 

station attendants, drivers of gasoline tank trucks, workers at bulk loading terminals and 

marine loading docks, workers who remove and service underground storage tanks and 

gasoline pipelines, workers who find and clean up gasoline spills and leaks, and refinery 

workers. If you have any of these jobs, you are probably exposed to small amounts of 

gasoline vapors every day you work. If you work at a job using gasoline-powered 

equipment or vehicles, you may be exposed to gasoline and its vapors. See Chapter 5 for 

more information on exposure to gasoline. 

1.4 HOW CAN GASOLINE ENTER AND LEAVE MY BODY? 

Gasoline can easily enter your body when you breathe in air or drink water thatis 

contaminated with gasoline. No information is available on how much gasoline enters your 

body when it gets on your skin. When products like gasoline get on your skin, however, they 

enter your body more slowly than when they are taken into your mouth. Some of the 

chemicals in gasoline, such as benzene, are expected to penetrate the skin more easily than 

some of the other chemicals in gasoline. Most of the gasoline that you breathe in or swallow 
GASOLINE 5 

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

is breathed out unchanged, but some of it can enter your blood rapidly. Gasoline in your 

blood travels throughout your body. When the chemicals in gasoline reach your liver, they 

are changed into several different chemical substances. Most of these new substances travel 

in your blood until they reach your kidneys and then leave your body in urine. However, 

some of the new substances formed in the liver do not leave your body as rapidly. 

Chapter 2 has more information on how gasoline enters and leaves your body. 

1.5 HOW CAN GASOLINE AFFECT MY HEALTH? 

Many of the harmful effects seen after exposure to gasoline are due to the individual 

chemicals in the gasoline mixture, such as benzene and lead in very small amounts. Inhaling 

or swallowing large amounts of gasoline can cause death. The levels of gasoline that killed 

people are about 10,000-20,000 ppm when breathed in and about 12 ounces when swallowed. 

High concentrations of gasoline are irritating to the lungs when breathed in and irritating to 

the lining of the stomach when swallowed. Gasoline is also a skin irritant. Breathing in high 

levels of gasoline for short periods of time or swallowing large amounts of gasoline may also 

cause harmful effects on the nervous system. These effects become more serious as the 

amount of gasoline breathed in or swallowed increases. Less serious nervous system effects 

include dizziness and headaches, while more serious effects include coma and the inability to 

breathe. Effects on the nervous system have also occurred in people exposed to gasoline 

vapors for long periods of time, either in their jobs or because they intentionally sniff 

gasoline for its ability to cause hallucinations. Harmful effects on the lungs can occur when a 

person swallows large amounts of gasoline because the gasoline in the stomach can enter the 

lungs during vomiting. 

Some laboratory animals that breathed high concentrations of unleaded gasoline vapors 

continuously for 2 years developed liver and kidney tumors. However, there is no evidence 

that exposure to gasoline causes cancer in humans. There is not enough information available 
GASOLINE 6 

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

to determine if gasoline causes birth defects or affects reproduction. For more information on 

the health effects of gasoline, see Chapter 2 and the ATSDR toxicological profiles for 

benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,3-butadiene, and lead. 

1.6 IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST TO DETERMINE WHETHER I HAVE BEEN 

EXPOSED TO GASOLINE? 

There are laboratory tests that can determine if you have been exposed to gasoline. However, 

these tests are not generally available in your doctor’s office. The tests involve measuring 

elevated blood or urine levels of lead (as an indication of exposure to leaded gasoline only), 

benzene, or other substances that may result from exposure to gasoline or other sources. 

These methods are sensitive enough to measure background levels and levels when health 

effects may occur. If you have these substances in your body, however, they may be there as 

the result of exposure from sources other than gasoline. Nevertheless, these tests are useful if 

exposure to gasoline is suspected. Refer to Chapters 2 and 6 for more information on tests to 

determine whether you have been exposed to gasoline. Also, for more information on the 

tests for measuring exposure to the individual components in gasoline, refer to the ATSDR 

toxicological profiles on lead, benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene. 

1.7 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE TO 

PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH? 

The government has developed regulations and guidelines for gasoline. EPA has established 

many regulations ‘to control air pollution. These are designed to protect the public from the 

possible harmful health effects of gasoline. To protect workers, the Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA) has set a legal limit of 300 ppm for workroom air. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates levels of gasoline in 

the workplace. The maximum amount of gasoline allowed in workroom air during an 8-hour 
GASOLINE 7 

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT 

workday of a 40-hour workweek is 900 milligrams of gasoline vapor per cubic meter of air 

(mg/m3

), or 300 ppm. However, this level is not intended to be used as a standard for 

pollutants outside the workplace. See Chapter 7 for more information on recommendations 

the federal government has made to protect human health from the effects of gasoline. 

1.8 WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? 

If you have any more questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or 

environmental quality department or: 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 

Division of Toxicology 

1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-29 

Atlanta, Georgia 30333 

This agency can also tell you where to find the nearest occupational and environmental health 

clinic. These clinics specialize in the recognition, evaluation, and treatment of illnesses 

resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. 

GASOLINE 9 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

2.1 INTRODUCTION 

The primary purpose of this chapter is to provide public health officials, physicians, toxicologists, and 

other interested individuals and groups with an overall perspective on the toxicology of gasoline and a 

depiction of significant exposure levels associated with various adverse health effects. It contains 

descriptions and evaluations of studies and presents levels of significant exposure for gasoline based 

on toxicological studies and epidemiological investigations. 

2.2 DISCUSSION OF HEALTH EFFECTS BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE 

To help public health professionals address the needs of persons living or working near hazardous 

waste sites, the information in this section is organized first by route of exposure--inhalation, oral, and 

dermal--and then by health effect--death, systemic, immunological, neurological, developmental, 

reproductive, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects. These data are discussed in terms of three exposure 

periods--acute (14 days or less), intermediate (15-364 days), and chronic (365 days or more). 

Levels of significant exposure for each route and duration are presented in tables and illustrated in 

figures. The points in the figures showing no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) or lowestobserved-adverse-effect levels (LOAELs) reflect the actual doses (levels of exposure) used in the studies. 

LOAELs have been classified into “less serious” or “serious” effects. These distinctions are intended to 

help the users of the document identify the levels of exposure at which adverse health effects start to 

appear. They should also help to determine whether or not the effects vary with dose and/or duration, and 

place into perspective the possible significance of these effects to human health. 

The significance of the exposure levels shown in the tables and figures may differ depending on the 

user’s perspective. For example, physicians concerned with the interpretation of clinical findings in 

exposed persons may be interested in levels of exposure associated with “serious” effects. Public 
GASOLINE 10 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

health officials and project managers concerned with appropriate actions to take at hazardous waste 

sites may want information on levels of exposure associated with more subtle effects in humans or 

animals (LOAEL) or exposure levels below which no adverse effects (NOAEL) have been observed. 

Estimates of levels posing minimal risk to humans (Minimal Risk Levels, MRLs) may be of interest to 

health professionals and citizens alike. 

Levels of exposure associated with the carcinogenic effects of gasoline are indicated in Table 2-l and 

Figure 2- 1. 

This chapter discusses the health effects associated with exposure to automotive gasoline. Please see 

the ATSDR toxicological profiles on jet fuels, Otto fuels II, and fuel oils (ATSDR 1992) for further 

information on other types of fuels. Furthermore, this chapter will focus on the health effects 

associated with exposure to the gasoline mixture, and not the individual components of gasoline. For 

more information on the health effects associated with exposure to specific components of the gasoline 

mixture, please refer to the ATSDR toxicological profiles on 1,3-butadiene, benzene, 

1,2-dibromoethane, ethylbenzene, lead, toluene, and xylene (ATSDR 1989, 1990, 1991). In addition, 

this profile will not discuss the health effects associated with exposure to automotive gasoline exhaust or 

combustion products of gasoline because these products contain other substances that are not constituents 

of gasoline itself. 

Gasoline is a complex, highly variable mixture consisting of several hundred hydrocarbons that have 

boiling points from approximately 40°C to 180°C (Mehlman 1990). The hydrocarbons present in the 

gasoline mixture include alkanes, or straight-chain C4 to C12 compounds also known as paraffins, 

isoparaffins, or branched-chain compounds of the same size; alkenes, or olefins, which are unsaturated 

linear and branched-chain hydrocarbons; and naphthenics, or saturated cyclic hydrocarbons. Also included 

in the gasoline are aromatic compounds (principally benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene). 

Tetraethyl and tetramethyl lead are being phased out of gasoline (Mehlman 1990). Many of the 

toxicological effects associated with exposure to gasoline can be attributed to specific components of the 

mixture (i.e., organic lead compounds, benzene). For the majority of the studies discussed in this chapter, 

the exact composition of the gasoline mixture used was not specified. For those studies in which the 

composition of the test mixture was indicated, the percentages of the components are 
GASOLINE 11 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

presented in the text when the study is discussed. Many studies (i.e., those sponsored by the American 

Petroleum Institute [API]) used a gasoline test mixture formulated by API in 1982 known as API 

PS-6. Compositional data are available for the mixture formulated in 1982, but the percentages of the 

formulation are probably atypical because of the large content of paraffinic blending stock: 12.3% 

n-paraffins, 47.4% isoparaffins, 3.1% cyclopentanes, 14.5% cyclohexanes, 6.4% olefins, 28.7% 

aromatics (benzene-adjusted 2.0%), 11.5% unclassified hydrocarbons (Anonymous 1989). Another 

composition (expressed as volume percent) given for API PS-6 is as follows: 11.4% n-paraffins, 

46.5% isoparaffins, 4.7% cycloparaffins, 9.0% mono-olefins, 28.4% aromatics (Domask 1984). The 

API PS-6 used in the chronic study conducted by MacFarland et al. (1984) had the same composition 

as the one used by Domask (1984), but the benzene content of this mixture was specified as 1.69%. A 

more recent blend of gasoline, API 91-1, has been reported to contain a greater percentage of 

aromatics (33.2%) and olefins (12.5%) and a lower percentage of saturated hydrocarbons than the 

API PS-6 blend (Standeven and Goldsworthy 1993). 

Details regarding experimental protocol for most of the studies discussed in this section are presented 

in Tables 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3, and are generally not reiterated in the text. 

2.2.1 Inhalation Exposure 

2.2.1.l Death 

Several case reports of either accidental or intentional inhalation of gasoline vapors resulting in death 

have been published (Ainsworth 1960; Boeckx et al. 1977; Poklis 1976; Wang and Irons 1961). 

Inhalation of ≥5,000 ppm gasoline vapor (20,000 ppm for 5 minutes) has been shown to be lethal 

(Ainsworth 1960; Wang and Irons 1961). It has been postulated that the cause of death following 

inhalation of high concentrations of gasoline vapors is either central nervous system depression due to 

asphyxia leading to respiratory failure, or cardiac sensitization to circulating catecholamines leading to 

a fatal arrhythmia (Poklis 1976). 
GASOLINE 12 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Acute median lethal concentrations (LC50s) of gasoline vapor have not been established in 

experimental animals. Intermediate-duration exposure (90 days) to up to 1,552 ppm unleaded gasoline 

vapor was not lethal to rats or monkeys (Kuna and Ulrich 1984), and exposure to up to 2,056 ppm 

unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years was not lethal to rats or mice (MacFarland et al. 1984). 

The highest NOAEL values for death in each species and duration category are recorded in 

Table 2-l and plotted in Figure 2-l. 

2.2.1.2 Systemic Effects 

The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for systemic effects for each species and 

duration category are recorded in Table 2-l and plotted in Figure 2-l. 

Respiratory Effects. Adverse respiratory effects were described in one case report of inhalation of 

gasoline vapors that resulted in death (Ainsworth 1960). In this case, a 3-year-old boy was found with 

his head lying in a pool of gasoline, and he died shortly thereafter. Autopsy revealed pulmonary 

congestion, edema, and intrapulmonary hemorrhage. Hyperemia was evident in the tracheal and 

bronchial mucosa, and there was hemorrhagic fluid in the bronchi. Intraalveolar hemorrhage and 

alveolar necrosis were seen upon histopathological evaluation. According to the report, these effects 

were the result of inhalation of gasoline fumes. No gasoline was found in the stomach, and there was 

no evidence of oral or pharyngeal mucosal damage, thus ruling out the possibility that the lung 

damage was due to aspiration of ingested gasoline. 

Information on the acute respiratory effects of gasoline inhalation in experimental animals is limited to 

one study in which rats were exposed to 0.1 mL gasoline in a closed container either once or 

intermittently for 5-7 days. In both exposure scenarios, widespread hemorrhage of the lungs was 

noted at necropsy (O’Regan and Turgeon 1986). This study is not included in Table 2-l because the 

unusual exposure conditions precluded quantification of the exposure levels; however, this study does 

provide qualitative evidence of lung damage resulting from acute-duration exposure to gasoline vapors. 












GASOLINE 25 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Intermediate-duration exposure of rats to approximately 453 ppm gasoline vapors resulted in an 

increase in the relative weight of the lungs in animals sacrificed after 30 days of exposure. This effect 

was no longer apparent in animals sacrificed after 60 days of exposure (Vyskocil et al. 1988). No 

biochemical, functional, or histopathological evidence of adverse respiratory effects was reported in 

this study, so the toxicological significance of the change in organ weight is not known. Rats and 

monkeys failed to exhibit any consistent adverse respiratory effects following intermediate-duration 

exposure to 1,552 ppm gasoline vapors (Kuna and Ulrich 1984). Although various parameters of 

pulmonary function were significantly altered in monkeys exposed to 1,552 ppm gasoline vapors as 

compared to the controls in this study, there was a lack of consistency with respect to the effects 

observed between the sexes, and there was a large degree of variability in the responses. Therefore, 

the evidence is insufficient to conclude that these changes in pulmonary function were treatment 

related. When the lungs of rats exposed to 100 ppm of gasoline vapors for 12 weeks were examined 

by electron microscopy, a progression of lesions characteristic of fibrosing alveolitis (interstitial 

fibrosis and alveolar collapse) was observed (Lykke et al. 1979). These lesions were not apparent at 

the light microscopic level. The animals began to exhibit signs of respiratory distress in this study 

after about 7 weeks of exposure, which is consistent with the alveolar collapse seen. Also, consistent 

with these findings was the observation that surfactant levels in the lung were markedly decreased in 

animals exposed to 100 ppm gasoline vapors for 5-15 days (Le Mesurier et al. 1979). This 

observation led the authors to suggest that the sutfactant deficiency was probably involved in the 

pathogenesis of the fibrosing alveolitis observed in the Lykke et al. (1979) study. The results of these 

two studies indicate that gasoline-induced pulmonary changes may occur at levels previously thought 

to cause no effect because the tissues were not examined ultrastructurally and/or other sensitive 

parameters of pulmonary function were not measured. 

Chronic exposure of female rats to 2,056 ppm gasoline vapors for 2 years resulted in an increase in 

the incidence of mild multifocal pulmonary inflammatory response (compared to respective controls) 

that was thought to be due to the irritant effect of gasoline (MacFarland et al. 1984). Although the 

incidence of the pulmonary response was slightly increased in male rats exposed to 292 or 2,056 ppm, 

the increase was not dose-related, and the incidence was comparable to those of female control rats. 

This effect was not observed in mice similarly exposed (MacFarland et al. 1984), suggesting that rats 

are more susceptible to the pulmonary irritating effects of gasoline. 
GASOLINE 26 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Cardiovascular Effects. Cardiac sensitization to circulating catecholamines leading to a fatal 

arrhythmia has been postulated as one possible cause of death in humans following inhalation of high 

concentrations of gasoline vapors (Poklis 1976). Abnormal electrocardiograms (ECGs) of a 

nonspecific nature have been recorded in individuals with a history of chronic leaded gasoline sniffing 

(Seshia et al. 1978). 

A single 2-hour exposure to 70,180 ppm leaded gasoline vapors was reported to induce ECG changes 

and disturbances in myocardial enzyme activities and electrolyte levels in rabbits (Przybylowski 1971). 

The ECG readings were taken from the animals prior to exposure while they were anesthetized with 

evipan and again “immediately after intoxication” (elapsed time not specified). Exposure to leaded 

gasoline vapor resulted in a slowing of heart rate in all exposed animals and evidence of disturbed 

ventricular repolarization such as flattening of the T-wave (10/20), inverted T-wave (7/20), biphasic 

T-wave (3/20), ST depression (10/20), prolongation of the QT interval (16/20), and prolongation of the 

QRS complex (7/20). Decreased myocardial acid phosphatase, decreased myocardial sodium, 

potassium, and magnesium levels, and altered acid phosphatase and ATPase (adenosinetriphosphatase) 

activity in the myocardium were also observed. A decrease seen in myocardial alkaline phosphatase 

was not statistically significant. The author concluded that the decreased heart rate was a centrally 

mediated effect. He also concluded that the prolongation of the QRS complex, which is indicative of 

disturbed intracellular conduction, was a result of a direct effect on the myocardial electrical 

conduction system, and that the disturbed ventricular repolarization suggested by the ECG changes 

may have resulted in myocardial electrolyte disturbances (i.e., the changes in sodium, potassium, and 

magnesium observed). Furthermore, various enzyme activities also appear to be affected by exposure 

to gasoline vapor. While these conclusions appear valid, there are a number of limitations associated 

with this study. Only one exposure level was tested, precluding the determination of a dose-response 

relationship. The effects observed may have been due to oxygen deprivation because the gasoline 

vapor concentration was so high (approximately 7%). Therefore, a control group exposed to 

comparably low levels of oxygen would have been appropriate. The baseline ECGs were done on 

anesthetized animals, and the postexposure ECGs were done on animals that were apparently in a 

“narcotic sleep.” It is difficult to compare the ECGs obtained under these different conditions. 

Furthermore, although the authors state that the ECGs were done “immediately after exposure,” the 
GASOLINE 27 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

time between exposure and the ECGs was not quantified, and the animals could have been in various 

stages of recovery from any effects that occurred during exposure. It is possible that the 

cardiovascular effects may have been due to lead in the gasoline mixture since no cardiovascular 

effects have been observed in animals exposed to unleaded gasoline vapor (discussed in next 

paragraph). 

No changes in heart weight or in the microscopic anatomy of the heart were observed in rats or 

monkeys exposed to up to 1,552 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for 90 days (Kuna and Ulrich 1984). 

Similarly, rats and mice exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years exhibited no 

exposure-related cardiovascular effects (MacFarland et al. 1984). A decrease in relative heart weight 

was observed in the rats from this chronic study, but in the absence of any biochemical, functional, or 

histopathological evidence of cardiovascular toxicity, the toxicological significance of a change in 

heart weight is not known. 

Gastrointestinal Effects. No effects on the gastrointestinal system were observed in humans after 

inhalation exposure to gasoline (Ainsworth 1960; Carlson 1981). 

One study in experimental animals was located in which the gastrointestinal tract was examined after 

inhalation exposure to gasoline vapors. No evidence of adverse effects was found upon 

histopathological evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract of rats and mice exposed to 2,056 ppm 

unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984). 

Hematological Effects. Several human case studies have been reported that describe the occurrence 

of hematological effects in individuals with known long-term exposure to gasoline vapors. However, 

in all of these cases, the hematological effects reported were most likely due to a constituent of 

gasoline rather than the gasoline mixture itself. For example, basophilic stippling, increased 

erythrocyte protoporphyrin, and increased δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity have 

been noted in individuals exposed to leaded gasoline vapor (Boeckx et al. 1977; Chessare and 

Wodarcyk 1988; Young et al. 1977). These effects are also known to occur with exposure to lead (see 

ATSDR toxicological profile for lead [ATSDR 1991]), and so may be due to the presence of organic 
GASOLINE 28 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

lead compounds in the gasoline. An increased incidence of various blood dyscrasias (anemia, 

hypochromia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia) has been observed in Nigerian males with known 

exposure to gasoline in their occupations as motor mechanics and road-side vendors of heavy motor 

oil and/or gasoline as compared to controls with no known exposure to gasoline (Niazi et al. 1989). 

The authors attributed the increased incidence of these disorders to benzene which is present in 

gasoline (see ATSDR toxicological profile for benzene [ATSDR 1991]). 

No exposure-related adverse effects on any hematological parameters measured or on the bone marrow 

have been noted in rats or monkeys exposed to 1,552 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for 90 days (Kuna 

and Ulrich 1984) or in rats and mice exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years, 

despite the presence of benzene (MacFarland et al. 1984). 

Musculoskeletal Effects. An 18-year-old male with a history of sniffing leaded gasoline vapors 

was admitted to the hospital on two occasions complaining of muscle weakness and pain (Kovanen et 

al. 1983). He claimed to sniff l-l.5 L at a time irregularly over the past year. Neurological 

examinations were normal on both hospital admissions, but his serum creatinine kinase was markedly 

elevated, and his urine was positive for myoglobin. Furthermore, his blood and urine lead levels were 

also elevated. The authors concluded that the boy suffered from acute severe myopathy associated 

with leaded gasoline sniffing. The mechanism by which gasoline could have induced this myopathy is 

not known. The authors speculated that the myopathy may have been due to individual susceptibility 

or that the patient may have had a subclinical, possibly metabolic, myopathy that was exacerbated by 

gasoline sniffing. The myopathy may also have been the result of lead toxicity (see ATSDR 

toxicological profile for lead [ATSDR 1991]). 

No exposure-related effects were noted upon histopathologic examination of the bones in rats or mice 

exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984). 
GASOLINE 29 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Hepatic Effects. No studies were located regarding hepatic effects in humans after inhalation 

exposure to gasoline. 

No adverse hepatic effects were noted in rats or monkeys exposed to 1,552 ppm unleaded gasoline 

vapors for 90 days (Kuna and Ulrich 1984) or in rats exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors 

for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984). Hepatic hypertrophy and increased hepatic cytochrome P-450 

content were observed in mice exposed to 2,039 ppm unleaded gasoline vapor for 13 weeks; however, 

there was no evidence of hepatic necrosis (Standeven and Goldsworthy 1993). Hepatic hypertrophy 

without accompanying necrosis was also noted in mice exposed to 2,056 ppm for 13 or 16 weeks 

(Standeven et al. 1994a; Tilbury et al. 1993). Mice chronically exposed to unleaded gasoline vapors 

exhibited necrosis and hemorrhage associated with liver tumors (see Section 2.2.1.8), but no other 

exposure-related hepatic effects were seen (MacFarland et al. 1984). 

Renal Effects. No studies were located regarding renal effects in humans after inhalation exposure 

to gasoline. 

Unleaded gasoline is one of a diverse group of hydrocarbons that have been shown to induce a unique 

syndrome of nephropathy in male rats following subchronic or chronic inhalation exposure (Halder et 

al. 1984; Kuna and Ulrich 1984; MacFarland et al. 1984; Short et al. 1987, 1989a, 1989b). The 

components of gasoline determined to be largely responsible for the hydrocarbon-induced nephropathy 

in the male rat were identified as branched alkane compounds with six or more carbons. The gasoline 

used in the studies conducted by Halder et al. had the following composition: 45% alkanes, 

12% alkenes, 43% aromatics. The mixture used by MacFarland et al. (1984) and in the studies 

conducted by Short et al. (1987, 1989a, 1989b) was the API PS-6 specified in the introduction to this 

chapter. Kuna and Ulrich (1984) used two mixtures of gasoline: “Fuel A - Unleaded EPA Reference Fuel” 

and “Fuel B - Leaded Commercial.” Fuel A contained 30.1% aromatics, 8.2% olefins, and 

61.7% saturates. Fuel A was further described as containing 0.2% benzene, 16.7% toluene, 1.0% 

n-butane, 5.4% isopentane, and 4.8% n-pentane. Fuel B contained 27.4% aromatics, 7.8% olefins, and 

64.4% saturates with 0.4% benzene, 11.4% toluene, 0.4% n-butane, 5.5% isopentane, and 4.0% 

n-pentane. The lead content of Fuel B was not specified, but the concentrations of lead in the two 
GASOLINE 30 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

exposure levels of Fuel B used in the study were 0.19 μg lead/L at the 384-ppm level and 

0.72 μg lead/L at the 1,552-ppm level. 

This syndrome of nephropathy is characterized by excessive accumulation of hyaline droplets 

containing ∝2u-globulin in the P2 segment of the proximal tubule region. The accumulation of these 

droplets may lead to single-cell necrosis and exfoliation of P2 tubular epithelial cells, followed by 

tubular epithelial cellular proliferation which is often associated with tubular dilation and tubular 

epithelial necrosis. In addition to inducing this syndrome in young male rats, gasoline has been shown 

to exacerbate the rat nephropathy commonly seen in aging male rats (MacFarland et al. 1984; Short et 

al. 1989a). ∝2u -Globulin is produced in large amounts by male rats, accounting for 26% of their total 

urinary protein. There is no evidence that humans produce ∝2u -globulin. In addition, human urine 

contains relatively little protein: only 1% of the total concentration measured in male rats. Of this 

amount, only trace quantities are within the same protein family as ∝2u -globulin (Olson et al. 1990). 

This suggests that humans are probably not at risk for the type of nephropathy induced by gasoline in 

male rats. In addition, ∝2u,-globulin-induced nephropathy cannot be induced in female rats (Halder et 

al. 1984; Kuna and Ulrich 1984; Short et al. 1989a), mice of either sex (MacFarland et al. 1984), or 

monkeys of either sex (Kuna and Ulrich 1984). Thus, it appears to be unique to male rats. Therefore, 

even though these nephrotoxic effects were seen at exposure levels that are lower than those required 

to induce other toxic effects, this end point was not used for the derivation of an acute, intermediate, 

or chronic inhalation MRL for gasoline. 

Endocrine Effects. No studies were located regarding endocrine effects in humans after inhalation 

exposure to gasoline. 

A decrease in relative adrenal weight was noted in rats following intermediate-duration exposure to _ . -. 

gasoline vapors, but no exposure-related histopathological effects were observed in the adrenal gland 

(Kuna and Ulrich 1984). Therefore, the toxicological significance of this change in adrenal weight is 

not known. 
GASOLINE 31 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Dermal Effects. No studies were located regarding dermal effects in humans after inhalation 

exposure to gasoline. 

No exposure-related effects on the skin were observed in rats or mice exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded 

gasoline for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984). 

Ocular Effects. Gasoline vapor at concentrations of about 200, 500, or 1,000 ppm caused eye 

irritation in volunteers during a 30-minute exposure period (Davis et al. 1960). Ocular irritation was 

also noted in subjects exposed to 500 ppm for 1 hour (Drinker et al. 1943). Both the Drinker et al. 

1943 and the Davis et al. 1960 studies are limited in that the subjects were exposed to atomized 

gasoline vapors, which has the same composition as liquid gasoline and is not the same as the gasoline 

vapors that humans would be exposed to in ambient conditions. 

No studies were located regarding ocular effects in animals after inhalation exposure to gasoline. 

Body Weight Effects. No studies were located regarding body weight effects in humans after 

inhalation exposure to gasoline. 

Intermediate- and chronic-duration exposures to gasoline vapors have been reported to cause 

significant decreases in body weight gain in rats (MacFarland et al. 1984; Vyskocil et al. 1988) and 

mice (MacFarland et al. 1984). 

2.2.1.3 Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects 

No studies were located regarding immunological or lymphoreticular effects in humansafter inhalation 

exposure to gasoline. 

In animals, exposure to hydrocarbons has been associated with Goodpasture’s syndrome 

(glometulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage caused by the binding of circulating autoantibodies to 

basement membrane antigens on the glomerular and alveolar basement membranes, respectively) 
GASOLINE 32 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

(O’Regan and Turgeon 1986; Yamamoto and Wilson 1987). To determine whether gasoline exposure
 

causes pulmonary alveolar damage thereby allowing autoantibodies to pass into the alveoli and bind to
 

lung basement membrane, rats were exposed in a closed container to unleaded gasoline once or
 

5-7 times daily at half-hour intervals for 5-8 days (O’Regan and Turgeon 1986). The animals were
 

then injected with sera containing anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies,
 

sacrificed, and the lungs were taken for light and immunofluorescence microscopy. The anti-GBM
 

failed to bind to alveolar basement membrane (ABM) in the gasoline-exposed animals as determined
 

by immunofluorescence. Based on these results, it does not appear that exposure to gasoline in this
 

manner damages the alveolar endothelium to allow passage of anti-GBM to cause the pulmonary
 

hemorrhage associated with Goodpasture’s syndrome.
 

Rats and monkeys exposed to up to 1,552 ppm gasoline for 90 days were evaluated for the presence
 

and deposition of IgG, a class of immunoglobulin, in the renal glomeruli and lungs (Kuna and Ulrich
 

1984). There was no evidence of IgG deposition in either the renal glomeruli or the lungs in the
 

exposed animals based on immunofluorescence studies.
 

No evidence of adverse histopathological effects was noted in the thymus or the bone marrow of rats
 

or mice exposed to 2,056 ppm gasoline vapors for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984).
 

The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for immunological effects in each species
 

and duration category are recorded in Table 2-l and plotted in Figure 2-l.
 

2.2.1.4 Neurological Effects 

Acute exposure of humans to high levels of gasoline vapors is characterized by a spectrum of 

neurological effects that progress in severity with increasing dose and duration and can include 

dizziness, headaches, giddiness, euphoria, vertigo, blurred vision, nausea, numbness, drowsiness, 

anesthesia, and coma (Poklis and Burkett 1977). Chronic exposure to gasoline (i.e., in those 

individuals who habitually sniff gasoline for its euphoric/hallucinogenic effects and in those 

occupationally exposed to gasoline) is associated with neurological effects as well. 
GASOLINE 33 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

In a 2-year retrospective study, hospital records on 40 male and 10 female patients of Native American 

or Native Canadian origin who sniffed gasoline indicated that exposed individuals exhibited signs of 

jaw jerk, postural tremor, ataxia, abnormal gait, deep tendon reflexes, and affected speech (Seshia et 

al. 1978). A study of 51 gasoline station workers reported complaints of headaches, fatigue, sleep 

problems, memory loss, and general weakness (Pandya et al. 1975). The benzene content of the 

gasoline was high; values ranged from 10-17%. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the contribution 

of benzene exposure to the reported symptoms. Gasoline odors were detected periodically by office 

workers for several years but increased during a 9-month period in which headaches and nausea were 

reported by 18 individuals (Kullman and Hill 1990). Measurements (unspecified method) that were 

made on a day when gasoline odors were present indicated total hydrocarbon concentrations of 

approximately 3-22 ppm. These studies lacked adequate details on the exposure duration and 

concentrations. Furthermore, the investigators did not assess the contribution of other constituents of 

gasoline (e.g., lead, benzene) as a potential source of the neurotoxic effects. 

The majority of the data on the neurological effects of gasoline have come from case reports 

describing patients, usually adolescents, who were chronic gasoline sniffers (Owens et al. 1985). In 

most instances, the exposure concentrations could not be determined and the lead content in the 

gasoline was not specified. Cerebellar dysfunction (e.g., ataxia, poor coordination, decreased muscle 

tone, broad-based gait, myoclonic movements), generalized convulsions, and hallucinations, as well as 

elevated blood lead levels, are typical symptoms observed in gasoline sniffers (Carroll and Abel 1973; 

Coulehan et al. 1983; Goldings and Stewart 1982; Goodheart and Dunne 1994; Kaelan et al. 1986; 

Moss and Cooper 1986; Rischbieth et al. 1987; Young et al. 1977). Some exposed individuals were 

also found to have abnormal electroencephalograms (EEG) and/or slowing of nerve conduction 

velocity (Goldings and Stewart 1982; Hall et al. 1986; Hansen and Sharp 1978; Rischbieth et al. 1987; 

Robinson 1978; Seshia et al. 1978). A 14 year-old male who inhaled gasoline 10-20 times a day 

complained of a loss of strength and paresthesia in the limbs. Motor nerve conduction velocity was 

slowed on his right side, and Wallerian degeneration and segmental demyelination were reported 

(Gallassi et al. 1980). Neuropathological changes reported in eight patients who were diagnosed as 

“chronic gasoline sniffers” included neuronal loss and gliosis in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and 

brainstem, including the reticular formation (Goodheart and Dunne 1994). It is difficult to discern if 

these effects were due to the lead in the mixture or to the long-term exposure to hydrocarbon mixtures. 
GASOLINE 34 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

A male patient was hospitalized four times during ages 17-21 years for acute lead encephalopathy due 

to gasoline sniffing (Valpey et al. 1978). He experienced insomnia, anorexia, agitation, irritability, 

poor memory, nystagmus, and slurred speech, as well as characteristic cerebellar effects (e.g., ataxia, 

involuntary movements). He gradually developed permanent dementia and dysmetria and died after 

his fourth admission. An autopsy revealed mild congestion and atrophy of the brain, as well as a 

patchy loss of Purkinje cells, neuronal loss, gliosis, and early hemorrhagic pneumonia. Necrosis and 

demyelination of nerve cells and edema of the brain were noted in a 14-year-old boy who died having 

repeatedly inhaled gasoline for over 4 years (Robinson 1978). A computerized tomographic scan of a 

25-year-old man exposed to gasoline for 5 years indicated cerebellar atrophy (Kaelan et al. 1986). 

After his death, an autopsy showed decreased brain weight, increased brain lead content, and severe 

atrophy in the cerebellum as well as the loss of nearly all of the Purkinje cells, some neuronal loss, 

and severe gliosis. 

Many of the neurological changes that were observed in these subjects are related to organic and 

inorganic lead encephalopathy (Robinson 1978; Valpey et al. 1978). Tetraethyl lead can produce 

symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, and anxiety, progressing to the 

appearance of tremors, weakness, and confusion, followed by the onset of mania and convulsions 

(Goldings and Stewart 1982; Robinson 1978). Tetraethyl lead itself is not toxic but is converted to 

triethyl lead which is water soluble and becomes concentrated in the brain where it induces these 

neurological changes. Triethyl lead is probably degraded to inorganic lead which explains the slowed 

nerve conduction velocity (Robinson 1978). Chelation therapy, which increases the excretion of 

inorganic lead, is commonly given to reduce effects due to the lead exposure (Robinson 1978). In 

another case report, authors concluded that n-hexane, a component of gasoline, was the probable cause 

of the motor neuropathy exhibited in a 4-year-old boy who was found comatose beside a can of 

gasoline (Hall et al. 1986). On admission, he had elevated blood lead level and decreased nerve 

conduction velocity; he had reportedly demonstrated abnormal gait and imbalance 3 months earlier. 

Behavioral and intellectual changes have been observed in humans exposed to gasoline (Carroll and 

Abel 1973; Kumar et al. 1988; Robinson 1978). Ninety exposed gasoline-pump workers had 

significantly affected immediate and delayed visual memory and perception (p<0.0l), psychomotor 
GASOLINE 35 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

disturbances (p<0.05), and visuomotor learning ability (p<0.05) compared to a control group consisting 

of 64 subjects matched for age, economic status, education, and location (Kumar et al. 1988). The 

workers exposed for more than a year had a greater decrease in visual memory and intellectual 

capacity compared to those workers exposed to gasoline for a shorter duration, while psychomotor 

disturbances were similar in all workers. Psychological testing was conducted on a 13-year-old boy 

who sniffed gasoline daily for 6 years (Carroll and Abel 1973). The Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence 

Scale indicated an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 29 (severe mental retardation), and the Bender-Gestalt 

test revealed severe motor incoordination. A follow-up exam 10 weeks after discharge demonstrated 

an IQ of 44 (moderate retardation). It was noted that his fraternal twin brother, who was not a 

gasoline sniffer, had an IQ of 62. Therefore, the low IQ in this case may well have preceded the 

gasoline abuse. Following a 6-month period of gasoline sniffing, a 15 year-old girl had an IQ of 

64 with severely impaired perceptual motor skills and an abnormal EEG (Robinson 1978). It is not 

possible to determine if the psychological and motor impairment seen in this case was a direct result 

of gasoline sniffing because no information was available on these parameters before the period of 

gasoline sniffing. No follow-up testing of intellectual functioning was conducted after the girl stopped 

sniffing gasoline. 

Rabbits (15-20/group) of unspecified strain and sex were exposed to 0 or 70,180 ppm leaded gasoline 

for 2 hours (Przybylowski 1971). All the exposed animals exhibited periods of restlessness, 

equilibrium disturbances, convulsions, and narcosis after 35 minutes. However, no histopathology of 

the brain tissue was conducted. These effects may have been partially due to the presumably low 

oxygen concentration in the exposure atmosphere, as discussed in Section 2.2.1.2, Cardiovascular 

Effects. 

Rats and monkeys exposed to 1,552 ppm gasoline for 90 days exhibited no evidence of neurotoxicity, 

as assessed by neuropathological examination, either during exposure or at necropsy (Kuna and Ulrich 

1984). 

In a chronic inhalation study, Fischer-344 rats (three/sex/group) were exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded 

gasoline for 7, 12, or 18 months (API 1982). The control groups for each exposure period consisted 

of only one male and one female rat. Pigmentation of the neuronal cytoplasm was observed in an 
GASOLINE 36 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

unspecified number of exposed animals, and Wallerian degeneration was reported in two rats at the 

7-month sacrifice. Age-related axonal degeneration and dystrophy in the distal gracile tract of the 

spinal cord were exhibited in the control and exposed groups with increasing severity at each exposure 

period. The effects were more prominent in the exposed rats compared to the controls at 18 months. 

No statistical analyses were conducted, and the number of animals per group was inadequate for 

evaluating changes. 

Fischer-344 rats and B6C3F1, mice inhaled 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline for 107-109 weeks with 

interim sacrifices performed at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months (MacFarland et al. 1984). There were no 

treatment-related changes in the brain weight or the histopathology of the brain, spinal cord, and 

peripheral nerves. No other details were reported. 

The highest NOAELs and all reliable LOAELs for neurological effects in each species and duration 

category are recorded in Table 2- 1 and plotted in Figure 2-l.

 2.2.1.5 Reproductive Effects 

No studies were located regarding reproductive effects in humans after inhalation exposure to gasoline. 

A reproductive toxicity study in animals reported no evidence of dominant lethal effect on sperm. 

Inhalation exposure of male CD-l mice to either 400 or 1,600 ppm unleaded gasoline vapor, 

6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks, produced no significant increase in pre- or postimplantation 

loss of embryos in treated animals compared to controls (Litton Bionetics 1980). The composition of 

the gasoline used in this study was reported to be 47% paraffins, 4% olefins, 10% naphthenes, and 

39% aromatics, which is similar to the mixtures used in other studies sponsored by API. The NOAEL 

for reproductive effects in male mice was 1,600 ppm; the LOAEL was not established. 

No exposure-related histopathological effects were noted in the reproductive organs of rats or mice that 

were exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984). A recent 

reexamination of histological sections from the McFarland et al. 1984 cancer bioassay revealed a 

marked decrease in the severity of uterine cystic endometrial hyperplasia (a common spontaneous 
GASOLINE 37 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

condition) in female mice exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline (MacGregor et al. 1993). In 

addition, there was an increase in the incidence and severity (primarily graded trace to mild) of uterine 

atrophy in aged female mice exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline. However, the majority of the 

lesions were observed only at the end of the study. At terminal sacrifice, 14 of 40 female mice 

exhibited uterine atrophy. Uterine atrophy was not present at terminal sacrifice in control animals or 

in those exposed to 67 or 292 ppm. A decrease (40%) in uterine weight was observed in female mice 

following exposure to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline for 16 weeks (Standeven et al. 1994a). However, 

there were no significant histological changes in reproductive organs or significant effects on serum 

17β-estradiol levels, uterine peroxidase activity, or uterine cytosolic estrogen receptor levels. 

The highest NOAEL values for reproductive effects in each species and duration category are recorded 

in Table 2- 1 and plotted in Figure 2- 1. 

2.2.1.6 Developmental Effects 

Anecdotal data have suggested a possible link between chronic gasoline vapor exposure of pregnant 

mothers and congenital central nervous system defects in their children. A gasoline abuse case study 

reported profound growth retardation and initial hypotonia of muscles progressing to hypertonia, 

scaphocephaly, a prominent occiput, poor postnatal head growth, and minor anomalies in two children 

from a small Native American community. The mothers of both children had inhaled leaded gasoline 

during pregnancy (Hunter et al. 1979). The results of the study are difficult to assess because of the 

small sample size, possibility of concomitant exposure to alcohol, lack of quantification of exposure 

levels, and presence of lead which may have contributed to the developmental defects in the children. 

A teratogenicity study in animals exposed to gasoline vapors failed to reveal significant developmental 

effects. In this study, groups of 25 pregnant rats were exposed to atomized unleaded gasoline vapors 

at 0, 400, or 1,600 ppm for 6 hours/day from day 6 through day 15 of gestation. No adverse effects 

were noted in maternal animals, and there was no evidence of variation in sex ratio, embryotoxicity, 

reduced fetal growth, or teratogenic effects in fetuses. The results provide no evidence of 

developmental toxicity in rats associated with exposure to gasoline vapor at concentrations as high as 
GASOLINE 38 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

1,600 ppm. Thus, the NOAEL for developmental effects was 1,600 ppm; the LOAEL was not 

established (Litton Bionetics 1978). 

The highest NOAEL value for developmental effects in rats after acute inhalation exposure to gasoline 

is recorded in Table 2-l and plotted in Figure 2-l. 

2.2.1.7 Genotoxic Effects 

One cytogenetic monitoring study of workers occupationally exposed to gasoline in Sweden was 

found. Peripheral lymphocytes from 15 male gasoline pump mechanics were analyzed for micronuclei 

induction; the results were compared to those obtained from 15 male construction workers (Högstedt et 

al. 1991). Seven of the exposed workers and 8 of the controls were smokers. Ages ranged from 20 to 

56 and from 19 to 56 years for the exposed and control groups, respectively. Exposure concentrations, 

durations, and gasoline type (i.e., leaded versus unleaded) were not reported; however, the authors 

indicated that gasoline in Sweden may contain up to 5% benzene. Based on the findings from recent 

studies cited by the authors, parallel lymphocyte cultures from gasoline-exposed and control donor 

groups were incubated in the presence of pokeweed mitogen (PWM), which stimulates both B- and 

T-lymphocytes, and phytohemagglutinin (PHA), which primarily activates T-cells. The analysis 

showed a significant (p<0.02) increase in the frequency of micronuclei in the exposure group 

lymphocytes stimulated by PWM but not by PHA. However, the presence of up to 5% benzene in the 

gasoline mixture, which is approximately 2-10 times more than the level found in typical American 

automotive fuels (based on a typical benzene concentration of 0.5-2.5% in American gasoline; see 

Chapter 3), confounds the interpretation of the results. 

In a dominant lethal experiment, groups of 12 male CD-l mice were exposed to 400 or 1,600 ppm 

unleaded gasoline for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks (Litton Bionetics 1980). The 

composition of the gasoline used in this study is discussed in Section 2.2.1.6. Two days after the final 

treatment, each male was housed with two untreated virgin females for 5 days. The females were 

replaced with two new females, and the mating sequence was continued for 2 weeks. One male in the 

high-dose group and two males in the low-dose group died prior to mating, thereby reducing the 

sample size of mated females. Fourteen days following the midweek of mating, the uteri of all 
GASOLINE 39 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

females were examined for the numbers of live, dead, and total implants. When these results were 

statistically compared to the controls, no significant increases in pre- or postimplantation embryo loss 

were observed. Although the pregnancy rates of the treated groups were comparable to those of the 

untreated groups, the sample size of pregnant females was less than 20 for the majority of treatment 

and control groups. The results suggest that exposure of male mice to unleaded gasoline did not 

induce a clastogenic effect in germinal cells sampled over the spermatogenesis cycle. Nevertheless, 

the lack of an adequate sample size of pregnant females renders the study insufficient to support a 

negative conclusion. 

In an unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay, Fischer-344 rats, three males and three females, were 

exposed to 2,000 ppm of unleaded gasoline, 6 hours per day for up to 18 consecutive days (Loury et 

al. 1987). Following treatment, kidneys were perfused in situ with a buffered salt solution containing 

collagenase, excised, and dispersed to release individual cells. Cultures of kidney cells were treated 

with a medium containing tritiated thymidine; gasoline was added directly into the cultures. 

Autoradiographs were prepared and the incidences of scheduled DNA synthesis (SDS) and 

unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) were determined. SDS is replicative DNA synthesis that occurs 

during periods of normal or tumorigenic tissue growth or replacement. UDS is a repair process that 

occurs when DNA has been damaged. There was no increase in UDS following 4 or 18 days of 

treatment. However, a marked increase in SDS was seen in the kidney cells harvested from male rats 

18 days after dosing; no nephrotoxic effects were seen in females. The overall results indicate that 

acute- and intermediate-duration inhalation exposure to 2,000 ppm unleaded gasoline produced no 

genotoxic effects in the kidneys of male or female rats. Refer to Table 2-4 for a further summary of 

these results. 

Other genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 2.4. 

2.2.1.8 Cancer 

A large number of epidemiological studies have been conducted on workers occupationally exposed to 

petroleum products and hydrocarbons. These studies all have several inherent limitations that preclude 
GASOLINE 40 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

their use as evidence for an association between gasoline exposure and cancer. These include lack of 

information on levels of exposure to gasoline vapor; concurrent exposure to other potentially 

carcinogenic substances (i.e., service station attendants are also exposed to motor oils, diesel fuel oils, 

and solvents as well as automobile and truck engine exhausts); no adjustment for potential 

confounding factors (e.g., smoking); and no latency analyses. EPA (1987a) reviewed 55 relevant 

studies of unleaded gasoline-exposed populations and concluded that the evidence for drawing causal 

inferences between unleaded gasoline and cancer was inadequate. A few of these and other more 

recent studies are summarized below. 

A case-control study was performed regarding exposure to petroleum-based liquids and the risk of 

developing cancer (Siemiatycki et al. 1987). Approximately 12.4% of the cases were exposed to 

gasoline as well as other chemicals. The only significant odds ratio found with regard to gasoline 

exposure was for stomach cancer. The odds ratio is defined as the ratio of the percentage of exposed 

individuals with a disease to the percentage of individuals from a control group with the same disease. 

When data were analyzed by exposure and job category, it was found that persons with long-term low 

exposures as well as persons with long-term high exposures had an increased risk of stomach cancer. 

The power to detect risks was only moderate for most of the associations analyzed. Using other 

cancer patients as controls may have decreased some of the risk estimates. No definition was provided 

for short, long, or substantial exposures. Auto mechanics tended to have high exposures to gasoline 

because they used it as a degreasing agent which may account for the excess risk seen in this group. 

The results of this study are based on a small number of cases in each of these groups. 

A case-control study was performed regarding occupational exposure to hydrocarbons and the risk of 

developing renal cell carcinoma (Kadamani et al. 1989). Most of the workers exposed to 

hydrocarbons were either operatives or craft workers. An exposure risk index was calculated and was 

divided into low, medium, and high exposure categories. More cases of renal cell carcinoma occurred 

in males that had exposure to gasoline than in controls. The highest risk of renal cell carcinoma was 

among male workers exposed to moderate levels of hydrocarbons. Males <60 years of age exposed to 

moderate levels of hydrocarbons had the highest risk of renal cell carcinoma in comparison to the 

control group. Males exposed before 1930 had an increased risk at higher exposures, but males 

exposed after 1930 had an increased risk when exposed to moderate levels of hydrocarbons. This may 
GASOLINE 41 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

be due to better personal protective equipment being used in the high exposure jobs. There are several 

limitations to this study. The exposure scores were based only on occupation. No attempt was made 

to determine the type of solvent exposure. The exposure index did not have sensitivity for multiple 

exposures and duration of exposure. The study had low power to detect differences in small groups. 

This would account for the inability of the study to detect an increase in females or, at certain levels 

of hydrocarbon exposure, in males. 

A case-control study of 313 exposed males and 428 male controls who worked in petroleum refineries 

showed no significant risk of renal cell cancer. Women were not included in the analysis since few 

women work in the petroleum industry. No significant trend was found regarding increased risk of 

renal cancer and duration of employment (McLaughlin et al. 1985). A cohort study of 48,417 male 

and 12,916 female Gulf Oil Company employees revealed no significant excess deaths from kidney 

cancer (Wen et al. 1984). No information was provided on length or duration of employment. A 

cohort study of a total of 16,880 employees of the Gulf Oil Company Port Arthur refinery found no 

excess deaths from kidney cancer as compared to the normal population; employees were followed 

from January 1937 to January 1978 (Wen et al. 1984). The study included all workers who had 

worked at least 1 day in the plant. No trend was found for increasing risk with years of employment 

since duration of employment did not correlate with exposure to gasoline. 

A proportionate mortality analysis (PMR) revealed an increase of leukemia deaths in gasoline station 

attendants and mechanics. In addition, there were four deaths due to brain cancer (Schwartz 1987). 

No information is provided on length or employment or exposure. The PMR does not reflect the 

mortality of the population because it is so easily influenced by over- and under-representation of 

deaths. The automobile mechanics and gasoline station attendants who died of leukemia each had 

different job titles. Therefore, they may not have had similar exposures. Also, several types of 

leukemia were found: acute myelogenous leukemia (N=2), chronic myelogenous leukemia (N=2), 

erythroleukemia (N=l), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (N=2), acute leukemia unspecified (N=l), and 

chronic leukemia undifferentiated (N=l). It is very difficult to draw any definitive conclusions from 

this type of analysis because several different types of leukemia were reported, and quantification of 

exposure is not possible in a retrospective study of this type. 
GASOLINE 42 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

A meta-analysis (an analysis in which data from several studies are combined to obtain a single result) 

was performed of several cohort studies in the petroleum industry (Wong and Raabe 1989). A total of 

24 studies were evaluated which encompassed a study population of 352,661; 6,405 deaths were 

observed in the entire cohort. The standard mortality ratio (SMR) for all cancers was reduced when 

the SMRs from the individual studies were combined. Most of the larger studies demonstrated a 

deficit for all cancers. The all cancer meta-SMR on 6,405 deaths was 85 (p<.0000l). A British 

industry-wide study of refinery employees found an excess of deaths from melanoma. However, no 

explanation of excess was offered. The meta-SMR (SMR obtained from combing SMRs from 

individual studies) was not significant for skin cancer. For urinary tract cancer in Japanese refinery 

workers, the SMR was 205 (p=0.05). British drivers had an SMR of 171 (p=0.05) for kidney cancer; 

a significant excess was found in men aged 55-64 years (SMR=l89, p<0.05). A few studies showed a 

modest increase in lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers. A significant excess of lymphatic and 

hematopoietic cancers was found in Mobil Oil Company (Beaumont, Texas) refinery employees. 

Several studies indicated increased mortality from these cancers with increasing length of service. The 

meta-SMR was 103 (p=0.58). An unpublished update of the study at the Gulf Oil Company Port 

Arthur refinery found a significant excess of leukemia among employees with 20 or more years of 

service. The study of Mobil Oil Company workers found an excess of leukemia in their cohort. 

Analysis by length of employment detected an SMR of 235 for those with 30 or more years of service. 

In addition, elevated leukemia mortality was found at the Shell Oil Company refineries at Wood River 

and Deer Park. Most of the leukemia cases in the petroleum industry were not found among those 

who worked on benzene units directly. Except for the Shell Oil Company refineries, most refineries 

reported a variety of cell types. Most of the studies did not provide a dose-response relationship. Few 

industrial hygiene data existed in the industry prior to the mid-1970s, whereas relevant exposure 

occurred earlier. This review supports the conclusion that some subgroups of the petroleum industry 

had an increased risk of cancer, particularly leukemia. 

Results of several recent epidemiological studies have examined the possible association between 

gasoline exposure and increased leukemia and kidney cancer risks. In a recent follow-up study of the 

cohort of 34,569 British petroleum refinery and 23,306 distribution workers, an SMR of 121 for 

kidney cancer was reported in distribution workers (Rushton 1993). In particular, an increase in 

kidney cancer risk (SMR=141) was noted in tank truck drivers. For refinery workers, the SMR was 
GASOLINE 43 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

101. In addition, excesses in leukemia mortality were found in distribution workers (SMR=121), but 

not refinery workers (SRM=73). For tank truck drivers, the SMR was 155. No estimate of exposure 

to hydrocarbons was provided in the study. 

In a recent retrospective mortality study among 6,672 petroleum marketing and distribution workers 

from 226 locations throughout Canada, work histories were obtained, and hydrocarbon exposure 

frequency scores for several jobs were assigned (Schnatter et al. 1993). An increased mortality 

(SMR=135) for kidney cancer was found for all petroleum marketing distribution workers. The SMR 

was 158 for employees with “hydrocarbon” exposure in the marketing/distribution segment. When 

results were examined with respect to exposure frequency, the SMR for kidney cancer was 208 in 

employees with daily exposure. The kidney cancer SMRs for employees classified as “nonexposed” or 

“less than daily exposed” were 91 and 99, respectively. A kidney cancer SMR of 210 was noted for 

tank truck drivers employed more than 1 year. When data were evaluated on the basis of a 20-year 

latent period after first exposure, the SMR for kidney cancer was 181. Following the application of a 

Poisson regression model, a relative risk of 3.86 was calculated for employees exposed daily versus 

those exposed less than daily (relative risk = 0.85). The study authors concluded that although the 

patterns of kidney cancer risk are consistent with a possible risk due to hydrocarbon exposure, the 

limited number of observed and expected deaths (9 vs. 6.6) are only suggestive and do not allow a 

concise interpretation. A significant increase in mortality due to leukemia was noted in tank truck 

drivers (SMR=335). 

A recent case-control study in a cohort of about 100,000 male refinery workers from five petroleum 

companies revealed no excess in kidney cancer in refinery workers (Poole et al. 1993) The relative 

risk for any exposure above refinery background levels was estimated to be 1.0. In contrast, workers 

involved in the distribution, transport, and movement of petroleum products (job category described as 

receipt, storage, and movements) showed a possible increased kidney cancer risk (relative risk = 2.49). 

There was no evidence for an increased kidney cancer risk in a cohort of 15,135 distribution workers 

with potential exposure to gasoline for at least 1 year at land-based terminals or on marine vessels 

between 1946 and 1985 (Wong et al. 1993). An SMR of 65.4 for kidney cancer was reported in landbased 

distribution workers. For marine distribution workers, the SMR was 83.7. The SMR for kidney 

cancer in tank truck drivers was 61. An SMR of 150 for acute myelogenous leukemia was reported 
GASOLINE 44 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

for land-based distribution workers. However, no trend was apparent when data were analyzed by 

various gasoline exposure indices. The SMR for acute myelogenous leukemia was 74.2 for marine 

employees. In a follow-up study, the cohort mortality data were further analyzed by using a nested 

design (Wong et al. 1993b). This study limited analysis to the land-based workers since quantitative 

exposure data were available for this group. Leukemia (all cell types), acute myeloid leukemia, kidney 

cancer, and multiple myeloma were selected for additional analyses. Also, a more specific and 

homogenous job classification was developed in this nested study. Additional gasoline exposure 

indices consisted of length of exposure, cumulative exposure (ppm-years in terms of total 

hydrocarbons), and frequency of peak exposure. A time period of first exposure to gasoline (≤1948 

vs. ≥1949) was also included as an exposure index. The results of the nested case-control study, along 

with the findings of the original study, indicated that there was no association between exposure to 

gasoline and leukemia (all cell types), acute myeloid leukemia, kidney cancer, or multiple myeloma. 

A parallel study of exposure assessment among the cohort members of the original Wong et al. 1993 

study has been reported (Smith et al. 1993). In this exposure assessment, tasks and job exposures 

during 1975-1985 were evaluated (task-time-weight-average exposure model), and truck and marine 

exposures before 1975 were extrapolated on the basis of methodology to estimate historic marketing 

and marine distribution worker exposures to gasoline. Task exposures were highest during tank filling 

in trucks and marine vessels. Measured average annual, full-shift exposures during 1975-1985 ranged 

from 9-14 ppm of total hydrocarbon vapor for truck drivers and 2-3 ppm for marine workers on 

inland waterways. Extrapolated past average exposures in truck operations are highest for truck 

drivers before 1965 (140-220 ppm). 

A recent case-control study was performed to assess the risk of renal cell cancer from occupational 

exposure to gasoline (Partanen et al. 1991). From a total of 672 cases, 338 eligible cases were 

selected and matched with 484 controls. The controls were matched to cases based on age, gender, 

and survival time. The odds ratio was significant when both men and women were considered 

together, however, this rate was unadjusted. When men were considered alone, even though the 

number of cases (39) remained the same, the odds ratio was not significantly increased once the rate 

was adjusted for obesity, smoking, and coffee consumption. The gasoline exposure was considered 

high for 11 cases and 2 controls, and low for 28 cases and the remaining controls. The persons 

exposed to gasoline had worked in various occupations such as taxis drivers and service station 
GASOLINE 45 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

attendants. Because of possible confounding of gasoline with other fuel exposures, the odds-ratio for 

gasoline exposure only was calculated and found to be significantly elevated. Conditional logistic 

regression showed a significant risk of renal cell cancer for exposure to gasoline of 1.0-2.0 ppm, 

cumulative exposure of 14-102 ppm-years, and a latency of 27-33 years; duration of exposure was not 

significant. A ppm-year is a measure of cumulative exposure. It is the product of the mean level of 

exposure and the duration of exposure. The majority of the cases were deceased. Therefore, next-of-kin 

were contacted to fill out the questionnaire. (Next-of-kin information is unreliable because 

relatives may not know what other confounding factors may have been involved, such as smoking.) 

Subjects that were alive filled out their own questionnaires. Interviews were also conducted with 

personnel familiar with the workplace conditions and job exposures so that exposures could be 

classified with little misclassification bias. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that 

exposure to gasoline was associated with the risk of kidney cancer. 

Male and female Fischer-344 rats were exposed to unleaded gasoline vapors in an initiation/promotion 

assay in an attempt to determine the mechanism for unleaded gasoline-induced renal tumors in male 

rats (Short et al. 1989b). The incidences of chronic progressive nephrosis (CPN), atypical cell foci 

(ACF) (believed to be the precursors to tumors), and renal cell tumors (RCT) were evaluated by light 

microscopy. The rats were exposed to unleaded gasoline vapors for 24 weeks or for 59-61 weeks 

after a 2-week exposure to the initiator, N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethylnitrosamine (EHEN) and a 4-week 

control period (initiation-promotion group) or a 6-week control period. There was a statistically 

significant linear trend for an increase in the incidence of RCT in the males initiated with EHEN but 

not in the rats who had not been initiated. These results show that unleaded gasoline has a promoting 

effect on the incidence of RCT in male, but not female, rats initiated with EHEN. 

In an initiation-promotion protocol, l2-day-old female B6C3F1 mice were administered 

N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) by the intraperitoneal route prior to exposure to gasoline (Standeven et 

al. 1994). At 5-7 weeks of age, mice from the DEN-initiated and control groups were exposed to 0, 

292, or 2,056 ppm of wholly vaporized PS-6 blend unleaded gasoline. Exposure conditions were 

chosen to simulate those utilized in the previous cancer bioassay reported by MacFarland et al. (1984) 

(discussed below). Treatment with 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline (but not 292 ppm) increased the size 
GASOLINE 46 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

and number of altered hepatic foci (primarily basophilic) in DEN-initiated mice. Treatment with 

gasoline failed to induce altered hepatic foci in the absence of prior DEN treatment. These results 

show that unleaded gasoline is a liver tumor promotor in female mice. Similar results were obtained 

in female B6C3F1 mice exposed to 2,039 ppm unleaded gasoline (PS-6 blend) for 13 weeks 

(Standeven and Goldsworthy 1993). 

One chronic-duration animal study investigated the potential carcinogenicity of inhaled gasoline vapors 

in experimental animals (MacFarland et al. 1984). Groups of 100 Fischer-344 rats and B6C3F1, mice 

per sex were intermittently exposed to gasoline vapors for 2 years with interim sacrifices at 3, 6, 12, 

and 18 months. A decrease in the average body weight gain at the highest exposure level (2,056 ppm) 

provided evidence that the maximum tolerated concentration had been achieved. The test atmosphere 

consisted of completely volatilized gasoline. A statistically significant concentration-related increased 

incidence of primary renal neoplasms (adenoma, carcinoma, and sarcoma) was observed in the male 

rats that died after 18 months or at terminal sacrifice (one tumor was seen in a female rat). A 

statistically significant increase in the incidence of hepatocellular tumors was observed in the female 

mice at 18 months and at study termination. Some of these tumors had metastasized to the lungs. A 

recent reevaluation of the liver tumor data in mice, as well as a reexamination of the slides prepared 

from hepatic tissue, supported the conclusion that hepatocellular tumors were increased in female mice 

following treatment with 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline (Magaw et al. 1993). However, the revised 

incidence rates for the hepatocellular tumors in mice were approximately 20-25% lower than those 

reported by MacFarland et al. 1984. The MacFarland study is limited with respect to its relevance to 

human health risk for the following reasons. First, the animals were exposed to wholly vaporized 

gasoline, which has the same composition as liquid gasoline and is not the same as the gasoline vapors 

that humans would be exposed to in ambient conditions. Gasoline emissions normally found in the 

environment contain lower concentrations of hydrocarbons with very low vapor pressures (i.e., the 

branched-chain hydrocarbons, such as 2,2,4-trimethyl-pentane, that have been shown to induce 

nephrotoxicity) than those found in liquid gasoline. Secondly, the relevance of male rat kidney tumors 

believed to have arisen from ∝2u -globulin accumulation to human cancer risk is questionable (see 

Section 2.4). 
GASOLINE 47 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

2.2.2 Oral Exposure 

2.2.2.1 Death 

Accidental or intentional ingestion of large quantities of gasoline can cause death in humans 

(Camevale et al. 1983). The lethal ingested dose of gasoline has been estimated to be 12 ounces 

(350 g, or 5 g/kg for a 70-kg individual) (Anonymous 1989). The cause of death following ingestion 

of gasoline is either severe chemical pneumonitis resulting from the aspiration of gasoline that leads to 

asphyxiation, central nervous system depression leading to respiratory failure, or cardiac sensitization 

to circulating catecholamines resulting in the occurrence of fatal arrhythmias (EPA 1987a). 

The acute oral LD50 in rats for gasoline has been reported to be 14,063 mg/kg (Beck et al. 1983; 

Vemot et al. 1990). No treatment-related deaths were reported in a 4-week study in rats administered 

up to 2,000 mg/kg/day by gavage (Halder et al. 1985), but a few treatment-related deaths were seen in 

another study in which rats were administered 500 mg/kg/day API PS-6 by gavage (Borriston Labs 

1985). The basis for this discrepancy between studies is not known. No information is available on 

death in experimental animals following chronic oral exposure to gasoline. 

The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL and LD,, values for death in each species and 

duration category are recorded in Table 2-2 and plotted in Figure 2-2. 

2.2.2.2 Systemic Effects 

No studies were located regarding musculoskeletal, dermal, or ocular effects in humans or animals 

after oral exposure to gasoline. 

The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for systemic effects for each species and 

duration category are recorded in Table 2-2 and plotted in Figure 2-2. 





GASOLINE 53 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Respiratory Effects. Intentional or accidental ingestion of gasoline often results in aspiration of the 

gasoline into the lungs because of its high volatility and low surface tension. Therefore, the most 

common effect associated with acute gasoline ingestion in humans is aspiration pneumonia which is 

often accompanied by respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, emphysema, and focal alveolar 

hemorrhage (Banner and Walson 1983; Beamon et al. 1976; Carnevale et al. 1983; Grufferman and 

Walker 1982; Janssen et al. 1988). Death from asphyxia is often the result in cases of gasoline 

ingestion when the aspiration pneumonia becomes severe. 

No studies were located regarding respiratory effects in experimental animals after oral exposure to 

gasoline. 

Cardiovascular Effects. The only study located regarding the cardiovascular effects of ingested 

gasoline in humans was reported by Banner and Walson (1983). A 15-month-old male ingested 

approximately 1 pint (≈5,000 mg/kg) of gasoline and was found to be hypotensive upon hospital 

admission. However, because the child exhibited multi-organ system toxicity (see discussions of 

Respiratory, Hematological, and Renal Effects in this Section 2.2.2.2) it is not possible to ascertain 

whether the hypotension was a direct effect of the ingested gasoline or a consequence of other adverse 

effects. 

No studies were located regarding cardiovascular effects in experimental animals after oral exposure to 

gasoline. 

Gastrointestinal Effects. Damage to the digestive tract (severe esophagitis, gastritis, congestive 

failure, degeneration of the epithelium, and mucositis of the oral cavity) has been observed in 

individuals who accidentally or intentionally ingested gasoline (Camevale et al. 1983; Hoffman et al. 

1980; Janssen et al. 1988). 

Rats that were administered 2,000 mg/kg/day unleaded gasoline by gavage for 4 weeks were found to 

have gastric erythema, erosion of the gastric mucosa, and ulceration of the epithelium (Halder et al. 
GASOLINE 54 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

1985). The combined findings in humans and animals demonstrate the irritating effect of gasoline on 

mucosal tissue. 

Hematological Effects. Hemolysis, as evidenced by a decrease in hematocrit and an increase in 

free urine hemoglobin, and disseminated intravascular coagulation have been observed in cases of 

accidental or intentional ingestion of gasoline (Banner and Walson 1983; Janssen et al. 1988). In 

addition, evidence of intravascular consumption of clotting factors (coagulopathy, hypofibrinogenima, 

and elevated prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times) was seen in a 15-month-old male who 

ingested approximately 1 pint (≈5,000 mg/kg) of gasoline (Banner and Walson 1983). 

No studies were located regarding the hematological effects of gasoline after oral exposure in animals. 

Hepatic Effects. A transient increase in serum enzymes indicative of liver function (y-glutamyl 

transferase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase [SGOT], and serum glutamic pyruvic 

transaminase [SGPT]) has been noted in individuals who accidentally or intentionally ingested gasoline 

(Janssen et al. 1988). Mild centrilobular congestion was observed at autopsy in a death following 

gasoline ingestion (Carnevale et al. 1983). However, all of the visceral organs were congested in this 

individual, so it is not likely that gasoline had a direct toxic effect on the liver. 

Mild hepatic centrilobular hypertrophy and increases in pentoxyresorufin-o-dealkylase activity, which 

quantitates cytochrome P-450 2B, and in the hepatocyte labeling index were observed in female 

B6C3F1 mice following the administration of 1,800 mg/kg/day unleaded gasoline by gavage for 

3 consecutive days (Standeven and Goldsworthy 1993). However, there was no effect on the activity 

of serum sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), nor was there evidence of hepatic necrosis. 

Renal Effects. Renal injury has been reported in a number of case reports of individuals who 

accidentally or intentionally ingested gasoline (Banner and Walson 1983; Kuehnel and Fisher 1986; 

Janssen et al. 1988). A 23-year-old male developed oliguria requiring hemodialysis for 3.5 weeks 

after ingesting approximately 6,400 mg/kg of gasoline (Janssen et al. 1988). A biopsy taken 20 days 

after ingestion revealed tubular necrosis and interstitial edema. It is not known whether any 
GASOLINE 55 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

preexisting kidney insufficiency was present in this individual prior to the gasoline ingestion. 

Radiologic tests (intravenous pyelography [IVP] and a computerized tomography [CT]) revealed an 

altered appearance in the upper poles of both kidneys of a 26-year-old man who accidentally ingested 

gasoline and experienced flank pain, cramps, nausea, weakness, and red-brown urine (Kuehnel and 

Fisher 1986). Urinalysis revealed hematuria and reduced creatinine clearance and his serum creatinine 

was elevated. By the 19th day after ingestion, he was asymptomatic, his urinalysis was normal, his 

serum creatinine decreased, and his CT scan was normal. The authors concluded that accidental acute 

ingestion of gasoline resulted in an acute reversible toxicity, particularly to the kidneys. Evidence of 

renal failure (increased urine specific gravity with elevated protein, glucose, and hemoglobin, oliguria, 

and elevated blood urea nitrogen [BUN]) was seen 24 hours after a 15-month-old boy ingested 

gasoline (Banner and Walson 1983). Serum creatinine was elevated by the 3rd post-ingestion day. 

Diuretic therapy did not resolve the renal failure, and peritoneal dialysis was initiated and continued 

for 13 days until urine output increased. The authors speculated that the renal failure was either the 

result of the hypotension or hemoglobinuria observed or a direct effect of gasoline. 

Acute and intermediate gasoline ingestion produces the same syndrome of lesions (i.e., hyaline droplet 

accumulation and the deposition of g,-globulin in the kidney) in male rats as is seen after inhalation 

exposure (Borriston Labs 1985; Garg et al. 1988, 1989; Gerin et al. 1988; Halder et al. 1985; Murty et 

al. 1988; Olson et al. 1987a, 1988) (see Section 2.2.1.2, Renal Effects). The composition of the 

gasoline used in the studies conducted by Murty et al. and Olson et al. was reported to be (on a 

percent weight basis) 16.4% n-paraffins, 34.3% isoparaffins, 5.4% naphthenes, 10.0% olefins, 26.4% 

aromatics, and 7.5% not specified. Biochemical parameters of renal tubular function have also been 

observed to be affected by gasoline administration in male rats. Urinary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 

and β-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities (indicators of tubular function) were significantly 

increased in male rats administered unleaded gasoline for 2 weeks, whereas BUN values. (an indicator 

of glomerular function) were not different from controls (Gerin et al. 1988). 

As with inhalation exposure, these renal effects were not seen in female rats administered API PS-6 

(Borriston Labs 1985). In addition, this syndrome could not be induced in male NCI-Black-Reiter rats 

administered API PS-6 (Dietrich and Swenberg 1991). The NCI-Black-Reiter rat is an inbred strain of 
GASOLINE 56 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

rats that does not synthesize α2u-globulin, which is believed to be associated with the etiology of 

hydrocarbon-induced nephropathy (see Section 2.4). 

The effects of acute-duration oral gasoline administration on the accumulation of α2u-globulin and 

associated nephropathy in the proximal convoluted tubules were compared in young (35-month) 

versus old (26-month) male rats (Murty et al. 1988). α2u Globulin content was assessed by 

electrophoresis and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Old rats had a markedly reduced α2u-globulin content in 

their kidneys prior to gasoline treatment as compared to the young rats, and they failed to exhibited an 

increase in renal α2u-globulin content after administration. The young rats exhibited a 173% increase 

in renal α2u-globulin content, and their phagolysosomes exhibited altered morphology. These results 

led the authors to conclude that the failure of gasoline to alter hyaline droplet accumulation and 

α2u-globulin content in the kidneys of aged rats suggests that only young adult male rats are 

susceptible to hydrocarbon-induced α2u-globulin-mediated nephropathy. Because α2u-globulin-induced 

male rat nephropathy may not be relevant to humans (see Section 2.2.1.2, Renal Effects), this end 

point was not chosen as the basis for an acute or intermediate MRL for gasoline. 

Body Weight Effects. No studies were located regarding body weight effects in humans after oral 

exposure to gasoline. 

A significant decrease in body weight gain was exhibited by rats administered unleaded gasoline (API 

PS-6) by gavage for 28 days as compared to the controls (Borriston Labs 1985). 

2.2.2.3 Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects 

No studies were located regarding immunological and lymphoreticular effects in humans or animals 

after oral exposure to gasoline. 
GASOLINE 57 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

2.2.2.4 Neurological Effects 

There were no quantitative data on the neurological effects of gasoline following oral exposure; 

however, accounts of neurological effects after short-term exposure, usually by accidental ingestion, 

were available in case reports. A retrospective study on the hospital records of 24 children who 

accidentally ingested gasoline indicated central nervous system complications such as convulsions, 

coma, and lethargy (Beamon et al. 1976). There were no other details provided. A case study 

described a man who drank approximately 6,000 mg/kg of gasoline and developed seizures after 

gastric lavage was performed (Janssen et al. 1988). These effects were attributed to hypoxia that is 

secondary to chemical pneumonitis. The autopsy of a man who accidentally ingested gasoline 

revealed edema in the brain (Carnevale et al. 1983). 

No studies were located regarding neurological effects in animals after oral exposure to gasoline. 

2.2.2.5 Reproductive Effects 

No studies were located regarding reproductive effects in humans after oral exposure to gasoline. 

Although oral administration of 3,000 mg/kg/day unleaded gasoline to female mice for 3 days resulted 

in a three-fold increase in estrogen metabolism in isolated hepatocytes, there were no functional 

antiestrogenic effects as assessed by uterotrophic assays (Standeven et al. 1994b). 

2.2.2.6 Developmental Effects 

No studies were located regarding developmental effects in humans or animals after oral exposure to 

gasoline. 

2.2.2.7 Genotoxic Effects 

No studies were located regarding genotoxic effects in humans after oral exposure to gasoline. 
GASOLINE 58 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

The oral administration of 500, 750, or 1,000 mg/kg/day unleaded gasoline (API PS-6) to groups of 

five male Sprague-Dawley rats for 5 consecutive days did not cause an increase in structural 

chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells harvested 6 hours following the final treatment (Dooley 

et al. 1988). In general, animals orally exposed to gasoline did not exhibit unscheduled DNA 

synthesis (UDS) induction. The ability to induce UDS is a strong indication that a compound is 

genotoxic. One exception was a UDS assay conducted with male and female B6C3F1 mice. The mice 

received 2,000 mg/kg unleaded gasoline (API PS-6) by gavage; at 2, 12, and 24 hours post-treatment, 

harvested hepatocytes were analyzed for UDS (Loury et al. 1986). The researchers observed slight but 

significant (p<0.01) elevations in UDS in both sexes 12 hours after gasoline administration. No 

evidence of a genotoxic response was observed in the hepatocytes analyzed 2 hours after exposure. 

However, a marked increase in scheduled DNA synthesis (SDS) was apparent in male mice 24 hours 

after treatment; no hepatotoxic effects were seen in the females. 

Fischer-344 rats were also gavaged with unleaded gasoline, and both liver and kidney cells were 

analyzed for UDS activity. To assess potential genotoxicity, hepatocytes from male rats were analyzed 

for UDS activity 2, 12, 24, or 48 hours after treatment with 2,000 mg/kg and 2 or 24 hours after 

treatment with 100 or 5,000 mg/kg. Significant UDS activity was not observed at any concentration 

or at any harvest time. In agreement with other in viva rodent UDS assays, SDS was increased 

24 hours and 48 hours following treatment with 2,000 mg/kg. UDS activity was not increased in 

kidney cells harvested from male rats 2 and 24 hours after administration of 2,000 or 5,000 mg/kg 

unleaded gasoline (API PS-6) (Loury et al. 1987). Similarly, increasing the exposure time of the high 

dose to 4 days failed to induce genotoxicity. Elevations in SDS activity were observed in both sexes 

following the administration of 2,000 mg/kg/day or 135 mg/kg/day unleaded gasoline for 4 or 18 days, 

respectively. Refer to Table 2-4 for a further summary of these results. 

Other genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 2.4. 
GASOLINE 59 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

2.2.2.8 Cancer
 

No studies were located regarding cancer in humans or animals after oral exposure to gasoline.
 

2.2.3 Dermal Exposure
 

2.2.3.1 Death
 

No studies were located regarding death in humans following dermal exposure to gasoline.
 

In an acute-duration study, dermal application of up to 8.0 mL/kg (approximately 6,000 mg/kg)
 

gasoline to rabbits resulted in no deaths (Beck et al. 1983).
 

2.2.3.2 Systemic Effects
 

No studies were located regarding cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or musculoskeletal effects in 

humans or animals after dermal exposure to gasoline. 

The highest NOAEL values and all reliable LOAEL values for systemic effects for each species and 

duration category are recorded in Table 2-3. 

Respiratory Effects. The only information located regarding the respiratory effects of gasoline 

following dermal exposure comes from a case report in which a 34-year-old man suffered from 

atelectasis, laryngeal edema, and upper airway obstruction following immersion in a pool of unleaded 

gasoline for approximately 8 hours after an automobile accident (Simpson and Cruse 1981). Exposure 

by other routes was possible. 

No studies were located regarding respiratory effects in animals after dermal exposure to gasoline. 

GASOLINE 61 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Hematological Effects. No studies were located regarding hematological effects in humans after 

dermal exposure to gasoline. 

No adverse hematological effects were noted in rabbits that had 8.0 mL/kg applied to their shaved skin 

for 12 days (Beck et al. 1983). 

Hepatic Effects. A transient increase in serum enzymes indicative of liver function (creatine 

phosphokinase [CPK], SGOT, and SGPT) was noted in a 34-year-old male who was immersed in a 

pool of unleaded gasoline for approximately 8 hours (Simpson and Cruse 1981). Exposure by other 

routes was possible. 

Pale, congested livers were observed in rabbits who had 8.0 mL/kg unleaded gasoline applied to their 

shaved skin for 12 days (Beck et al. 1983). No other details were provided regarding the extent of the 

liver toxicity, if any, in this study. 

Renal Effects. Renal function tests were performed in two individuals who had been immersed in 

gasoline for several hours (Hansbrough et al. 1985; Simpson and Cruse 1981). There was no evidence 

of abnormal renal function in either case. 

Pale, congested kidneys were observed in rabbits that had 8.0 mL/kg unleaded gasoline applied to their 

shaved skin for 12 days (Beck et al. 1983). No details regarding pathological findings were reported. 

Dermal Effects. A number of case reports of individuals who were immersed in gasoline for several 

hours described the occurrence of either partial or full skin-thickness chemical bums in the area of 

contact with the gasoline (Ainsworth 1960; Hansbrough et al. 1985; Simpson and Cruse 1981). 

Studies in experimental animals show that gasoline is irritating to the skin. Application of a single 

dose of 0.5 mL undiluted gasoline to the skin of rabbits resulted in slight dermal irritation (Vemot et 

al. 1990), whereas daily application of 8.0 mL/kg of undiluted gasoline to the skin of rabbits for 
GASOLINE 62 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

12 days produced severe dermal irritation (Beck et al. 1983). Gasoline was shown not to be a dermal 

sensitizer in guinea pigs (Vemot et al. 1990). 

Ocular Effects. No studies were located regarding ocular effects in humans after dermal exposure to 

gasoline. 

Gasoline instilled into the eyes of rabbits did not cause ocular irritation (Vemot et al. 1990). 

2.2.3.3 Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects 

No studies were located regarding immunological and lymphoreticular effects in humans after dermal 

exposure to gasoline. 

Gasoline was shown not to be a dermal sensitizer in guinea pigs (Vemot et al. 1990). The NOAEL 

from this study is recorded in Table 2-3. 

No studies were located regarding the following effects in humans or animals after dermal exposure to 

gasoline: 

2.2.3.4 Neurological Effects 

2.2.3.5 Reproductive Effects 

2.2.3.6 Developmental Effects 

2.2.3.7 Genotoxic Effects 

2.2.3.8 Cancer 

No studies were located regarding cancer in humans or animals after dermal exposure to gasoline. 

However, in many of the epidemiological studies discussed in Section 2.2.1.8, exposure probably 

occurred by the dermal route as well as by inhalation. 
 

GASOLINE 63 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

2.3 TOXICOKINETICS 

There are limited data on the toxicokinetics of gasoline in humans and animals. Information on the 

toxicokinetics of several components of gasoline is available (see the ATSDR toxicological profiles for 

benzene, toluene, and xylene [ATSDR 1991, 1989, 1990]); it should be noted, however, that the 

interaction of these compounds may influence their individual absorption, distribution, metabolism, and 

elimination characteristics. 

2.3.1 Absorption 

2.3.1.l Inhalation Exposure 

Although there are no data on the absorption rate of gasoline, indirect evidence from case reports of 

gasoline sniffers indicates that it can be absorbed following inhalation exposure. The increases in 

blood and urinary lead levels, as well as the characteristic neurological signs, are indicators of 

exposure (Goldings and Stewart 1982; Robinson 1978). Because gasoline is a mixture, the pattern of 

absorption following inhalation varies for the individual components (NESCAUM 1989). The 

compounds with higher blood/gas coefficients (e.g., xylene, benzene, toluene) have a higher rate of 

absorption than the compounds with lower coefficients (e.g., cyclohexane, ethane, ethylene) 

(NESCAUM 1989). 

2.3.1.2 Oral Exposure 

There is no quantitative information on the absorption of gasoline following oral exposure in humans 

and animals. IIowever, the absorption is believed to be relatively complete because ofthe high 

lipophilicity of the hydrocarbon compounds, the large surface area of the gastrointestinal tract, and the 

long resident time in the tract (NESCAUM 1989). 
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

2.3.1.3 Dermal Exposure 

Although no studies on the dermal absorption of gasoline in humans and animals are available, the 

dermal absorption of hydrocarbon solvents is known to be low relative to the oral route (NESCAUM 

1989). The aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, are expected to have higher skin penetration than 

the aliphatic hydrocarbons (NESCAUM 1989). 

2.3.2 Distribution 

2.3.2.1 Inhalation Exposure 

Autopsies of humans who were apparently exposed to gasoline indicated elevated blood levels of 

hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, pentane, and hexane (Brugnone et al. 1986; Ikebuchi et al. 

1986; Matsubara et al. 1988). An initial concentration of 247 μg/mL gasoline was estimated from 

blood samples of an adult male who was found unconscious in a gasoline-vapor-filled car (Matsumoto 

et al. 1992). However, the patient was also exposed dermally to gasoline. The estimated half-life of 

the gasoline was 16.9 hours. The lead concentrations were slightly elevated in the blood of exposed 

gasoline station workers (Moore et al. 1976). It has been reported that triethyl lead and inorganic lead, 

metabolites of tetraethyl lead, may accumulate in the brain and produce encephalopathy and slowed 

nerve conduction (Kaelan et al. 1986; Robinson 1978). However, quantitative data on the lead content 

in the brain tissue were not presented in these studies. 

Benzene, toluene, and xylenes were detected in the blood samples collected from Wistar rats 

immediately after exposure to 5,000 ppm gasoline vapor for 30 minutes (Kimura et al. 1988). 

2.3.2.2 Oral Exposure 

There are limited data on the distribution pattern of gasoline in humans and animals. The distribution 

of gasoline (gasoline concentration measured as the ratio of the concentrations of 

[2-methylpentane/2,2-dimethylbutane] in sample/[2-methylpentane/2,2-dimethylbutane] in standard) 

was determined in a male who died following accidental ingestion of gasoline (Camevale et al. 1983). 
GASOLINE 65 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

The liver, gastric wall, and lungs had the highest gasoline concentrations at 663, 324, and 457 ppm, 

respectively. The brain, bile, and kidney contained 44.2, 59, and 51.5 ppm, respectively, while the 

concentrations in the blood from the brain, lungs, and heart were 29.4, 132, and 51.5 ppm, 

respectively. Autopsies of humans who were apparently exposed to gasoline indicated elevated blood 

levels of hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, pentane, and hexane (Brugnone et al. 1986; Ikebuchi 

et al. 1986; Matsubara et al. 1988). 

2.3.2.3 Dermal Exposure 

No studies were located regarding the distribution of gasoline in humans or animals after dermal 

exposure. 

2.3.3 Metabolism 

The metabolism of gasoline is not known, although it is expected that the interaction of the various 

components of gasoline may affect the metabolic products that are formed. The interaction of the 

components of gasoline is likely to influence the metabolizing enzymes such that the elimination rate 

of a compound may be altered (NESCAUM 1989). The increased metabolism of antipyrine suggested 

that mixed function oxygenase activity was induced after inhalation of gasoline vapors in humans 

(43-1,312 mg/m3) and in rats (5,000 mg/m3) (Dossing et al. 1988; Harman et al. 1981). The 

composition (expressed as volume percent) of the gasoline used in the Dossing et al. (1988) study was 

30-40% aromatic hydrocarbons (including 3-5% benzene). 

Organic tetraethyl lead was a component of gasoline (Goldings and Stewart 1982). It is converted in 

the liver to triethyl lead, a water-soluble metabolite that can accumulate in the brain (Robinson 1978). 

This compound can be further broken down to inorganic lead. 

2.3.4 Excretion 

Although there are no specific data on the elimination of gasoline following inhalation, oral, or dermal 

exposure, the elimination rate of the components of gasoline probably varies because of the 
GASOLINE 66 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

metabolism of the gasoline components by the hepatic enzymes. Metabolites of benzene, toluene, and 

xylene are known to be excreted primarily in the urine (NESCAUM 1989). 

Chelation therapy in individuals exposed to gasoline indicates that inorganic lead is eliminated in the 

urine of patients exposed to leaded gasoline (Robinson 1978). Urinary phenol, which is commonly 

used to indicate benzene exposure, was measured in gasoline pump workers (Pandya et al. 1975). 

There was an elevated amount of phenol (40 mg/L) in these subjects compared to normal values 

(<20 mg/L). 

2.3.5 Mechanisms of Action 

Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for the unique syndrome of nephropathy in male 

rats following exposure to certain hydrocarbons, including unleaded gasoline. Currently, the most 

likely mechanism is that a metabolite of gasoline or one of its constituents binds to α2u-globulin; the 

complex is then reabsorbed in the proximal tubule and phagocytized by lysosomes within the tubule 

cells. Investigators at the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology (CRT) have demonstrated that 

2,2,4-trimethylpentane (TMP), a component of gasoline, accumulates in the renal cortex, and that 

2,4,4-trimethyl-2-pentanol (TMPOH), a metabolite of TMP, binds to α2u-globulin in these cells (Lock 

et al. 1987; Swenberg et al. 1989). This protein complex is difficult to catabolize; therefore, the 

TMPOH-α2u-globulin complexes accumulate in the lysosomes. Eventually, the lysosomes burst, and 

digestive enzymes contained within the lysosomes induce cytotoxicity and cell death, which in turn 

leads to the accumulation of casts and the hyperplastic events described above (Swenberg et al. 1989). 

The antiestrogenic effects of unleaded gasoline have been proposed as a possible underlying 

mechanism of female mouse liver tumor induction by this chemical (Standeven et al. 1994a). In a 

study utilizing an initiation-promotion protocol, female mice exposed to 2,056 ppm of PS-6 blend 

unleaded gasoline vapor for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 16 weeks exhibited increases in relative liver 

weight, in the number of gross hepatic neoplasms, and in the size and volume of altered hepatic foci in 

N-nitrosodiethylamine-initiated mice. The PS-6 blend of unleaded gasoline was derived from the same 

lot used in the cancer bioassay conducted by MacFarland et al. 1984. Cotreatment with ethinyl 
GASOLINE 67 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

estradiol (EE2) (added to the diets at a concentration of 1 ppm) potentiated unleaded gasoline-induced 

liver tumor promotion. Treatment with 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline also resulted in antiestrogenic 

effects, including decreased relative uterine weight and partial reversal of EE2-induced body weight 

loss, anestrus, and vaginal keratinization. Unleaded gasoline at a concentration of 292 ppm was 

without effect, either in the presence or absence of EE2. The conclusion that unleaded gasoline may 

promote liver tumors in female mice secondary to antiestrogenicity was based on findings that 

estrogens normally act to suppress liver tumor promotion in mice, and unleaded gasoline exhibits 

potential antiestrogenic properties (Standeven et al. 1994a). While available data provide strong 

support for an antiestrogenic effect of unleaded gasoline with respect to the pharmacological actions of 

exogenous estrogen, the support is weak for such an effect on endogenous estrogen (Standeven et al. 

1994a). In this regard, only the effect of unleaded gasoline on uterine weight is indicative of a 

potential antiestrogenic effect (Standeven et al. 1994a). Subchronic exposure of mice to unleaded 

gasoline vapor did not affect serum 17β-estradiol levels, uterine estrogen receptor levels, or 

reproductive tract histology (Standeven et al. 1994a). Although acute oral administration of unleaded 

gasoline to female mice resulted in an increase in estrogen metabolism in isolated hepatocytes, there 

were no functional antiestrogenic changes associated with the enhanced estrogen metabolism 

(Standeven et al. 1994b). Therefore, it is unclear whether or not the uterine effects observed in 

chronic toxicity studies of unleaded gasoline are due to a direct antiestrogenic effect of gasoline. 

Also, the potential link between possible antiestrogenic effects of unleaded gasoline and the 

development of hepatocellular tumors in female mice is not clear. 

In female B6C3F1, mice, unleaded gasoline vapor has been demonstrated to induce the activity of the 

hepatic microsomal enzyme pentoxyresorufin-o-dealkylase, an enzyme associated with CYP2B, a 

cytochrome P-450 isoform commonly induced by rodent liver tumor promotors (Standeven and 

Goldsworthy 1993). The unleaded gasoline associated with the induction of CYP2B was the PS-6 

blend; mice were exposed to 2,039 ppm 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks. Exposure to PS-6 

unleaded gasoline also increased cytochrome P-450 content and promoted hepatic preneoplastic 

lesions. Data have also demonstrated that the API 91-1 blend of unleaded gasoline, a blend containing 

a high content of saturated hydrocarbons, displays promotional effects similar to the PS-6 blend 

(Standeven and Goldsworthy 1993). 
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

2.4 RELEVANCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH 

Humans living in areas surrounding hazardous waste sites may be exposed to gasoline via inhalation of 

gasoline vapors or ingestion of and dermal contact with contaminated water. For the majority of the 

general population (i.e., those not living in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites), the major route of 

exposure to gasoline is inhalation of gasoline vapors during automobile refueling, refueling of 

gasoline-powered equipment (e.g., lawn mowers), and through the use of untreated surface water or 

groundwater that has become contaminated with gasoline from spills or leaking underground storage 

tanks. For occupationally exposed individuals, the predominant route of exposure is the inhalation of 

gasoline vapors, but the possibility for dermal contact with gasoline also exists. Occupational 

exposure to gasoline can occur for workers all along the chain from gasoline production to consumer 

use. Workers involved in onloading and offloading gasoline at docks, bulk storage terminals, and gas 

stations, delivering fuel to storage terminals and gas stations, and refueling and automotive repair 

operations at service stations have a large potential for exposure (Runion 1988). Workers involved in 

the clean-up and maintenance of underground storage tanks and service station pump equipment are 

also exposed to higher-than-background levels of gasoline and gasoline vapor (Runion 1988). 

However, the majority of the general population is not likely to have significant exposures to gasoline. 

Gasoline is composed of at least 150 hydrocarbons, several of which have toxic effects of their own 

(e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene). Gasoline has been shown to be irritating at the 

portal of entry (i.e., the eyes, the lungs after inhalation, or the gastrointestinal mucosa after ingestion). 

One target of gasoline-induced toxicity appears to be the nervous system in both humans and animals. 

A whole spectrum of neurological effects can be seen following acute exposure to high levels of 

gasoline, either by inhalation or ingestion, that increase in severity with increasing dose. The 

neurotoxicity observed in humans or animals exposed to leaded gasoline may be partially attributed to 

the organic lead compounds present in the mixture. Inhalation of very high concentrations of gasoline 

vapors or ingestion of gasoline can be fatal in both humans and animals. Adverse respiratory effects 

(e.g., chemical pneumonitis, pneumonia, pulmonary hemorrhage, and edema) are sometimes seen in 

humans after ingestion of large amounts of gasoline. These effects are due to the aspiration of 

gasoline from the stomach following vomiting. Blood dyscrasias have been noted in humans acutely 

and chronically exposed to gasoline vapors, but these effects are most likely due to benzene, and the 
GASOLINE 69 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

incidence of these findings has decreased as the benzene content in gasoline has decreased. No such 

effects have been observed in experimental animals. Gasoline, along with a diverse group of 

hydrocarbons, has been shown to induce α2u -globulin-mediated nephropathy and renal tumors in male 

rats. These nephrotoxic and renal carcinogenic effects are believed to be unique to male rats and are 

most likely not relevant to humans. There is insufficient epidemiological evidence to link exposure to 

gasoline with cancer in humans. However, inhalation of gasoline vapors has been shown to induce an 

increased incidence of hepatocellular tumors in female mice. The relevance of the observed 

hepatocellular tumors in female mice to humans is not known. 

Minimal Risk Levels for Automotive Gasoline 

Inhalation 

No inhalation MRLs were derived because gasoline contains many components which can vary 

significantly among the many compositions of gasoline. The toxicity of gasoline would depend on the 

specific composition. 

Oral 

No oral MRLs were calculated because of the variability in the composition of gasoline. Also, no 

quantitative information on adverse effects other than α2u -globulin-mediated nephropathy in male rats 

was available. As discussed in Section 2.2.1.2, Renal Effects, α2u-globulin-mediated nephrotoxicity is 

not considered an appropriate end point for the derivation of MRLs for gasoline because it is unique to 

male rats and, thus, not relevant to human risk assessment. 

Death. Inhalation of gasoline vapors or ingestion of gasoline can be fatal to both humans and 

experimental animals. Several case reports of either accidental or intentional inhalation or ingestion of 

gasoline resulting in death have been published (Ainsworth 1960; Boeckx et al. 1977; Camevale et al. 

1983; Poklis 1976; Wang and Irons 1961). Lethal concentrations of gasoline vapors have been 

reported to range from >5,000 ppm to 20,000 ppm in humans (Ainsworth 1960; Wang and Irons 
GASOLINE 70 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

1961), whereas the lethal ingested dose of gasoline has been estimated to be 12 ounces (350 g, or 

5 g/kg for a 70-kg individual) (Anonymous 1989). The cause of death following inhalation of 

gasoline vapors or ingestion of gasoline has been postulated to be either central nervous system 

depression (asphyxia) leading to respiratory failure or cardiac sensitization to circulating 

catecholamines resulting in the occurrence of a fatal arrhythmia (EPA 1987a; Poklis 1976). In 

addition, ingested gasoline can be aspirated leading to severe chemical pneumonitis (EPA 1987a). 

Acute lethal concentrations (LC50s) of airborne gasoline in experimental animals have not been 

reported. The acute oral LD50 for gasoline in rats has been reported to be 18.8 mL/kg, or 

approximately 14,063 mg/kg (Beck et al. 1983; Vemot et al. 1990). This is higher than the 

approximate lethal dose estimated for humans cited above (12 ounces, which is equivalent to 

approximately 5 mL/kg, or 3,740 mg/kg). The lethal dose of gasoline following dermal exposure has 

not been determined in animals, but it does exceed 8.0 mL/kg, or 6,000 mg/kg, indicating that it is 

relatively nontoxic by the dermal route (Beck et al. 1983). Under the exposure conditions expected to 

be present at hazardous waste sites, it is not expected that lethal air or water concentrations of gasoline 

will be achieved. 

Systemic Effects 

Respiratory Effects. Intentional or accidental ingestion of gasoline often results in aspiration of the 

gasoline into the lungs because of its high volatility and low surface tension. Therefore, the most 

common effect associated with acute gasoline ingestion in humans is aspiration pneumonia which is 

often accompanied by respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, emphysema, and focal alveolar 

hemorrhage (Banner and Walson 1983; Beamon et al. 1976; Carnevale et al. 1983; Grufferman and 

Walker 1982; Janssen et al. 1988). Death from asphyxia is often the result in cases of gasoline. 

ingestion when the aspiration pneumonia becomes severe. Atelectasis, laryngeal edema, and upper 

airway obstruction were observed in a 34-year-old man who had been immersed in a pool of gasoline 

for approximately 8 hours, suggesting that adverse respiratory effects may occur following a 

combination of dermal, inhalation, and oral exposure to gasoline (Simpson and Cruse 1981). No 
GASOLINE 71 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

information is available on adverse respiratory effects in animals exposed to gasoline by oral 

administration. 

While intermediate-duration inhalation exposure to 1,552 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors has been 

shown to have no effect on the lungs in rats or monkeys when examined at the light microscopic level 

(Kuna and Ulrich 1984), a progression of lesions indicative of fibrosing alveolitis was observed in rats 

exposed to 100 ppm gasoline vapors for 12 weeks (Lykke et al. 1979). In addition, a decrease in 

surfactant levels was reported in rats similarly exposed (Le Mesurier et al. 1979). This surfactant 

deficiency is probably involved in the pathogenesis of the fibrosing alveolitis observed at similar 

exposure levels. The results of these two studies indicate that gasoline-induced pulmonary changes 

may occur at levels previously thought to have no effect because the tissues were not examined 

ultrastructurally and/or other sensitive parameters of pulmonary function were not measured. 

Gasoline vapors have been shown to be irritating to the lungs of rats, but not in mice that were 

similarly exposed (MacFarland et al. 1984). A mild multifocal pulmonary inflammatory response was 

seen in rats exposed to 2,056 ppm gasoline for 2 years, but not in mice, suggesting that rats are more 

susceptible to the pulmonary irritating effects of gasoline. 

Cardiovascular Effects. No direct cardiovascular effects have been reported in humans after exposure 

to gasoline. One study in animals described ECG changes and disturbances in myocardial enzyme 

activities and electrolyte levels in rabbits after inhalation exposure to high levels of gasoline 

(Przybylowski 1971). However, limitations associated with this study preclude its use in assessing the 

potential cardiovascular risk to humans from exposure to gasoline. No adverse cardiovascular effects 

have been observed in animals exposed to levels of up to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for up 

to 2 years. The. air. and water concentrations of gasoline expected to be present at hazardous waste 

sites are unlikely to cause adverse cardiovascular effects. 

Gastrointestinal Effects. Reports of human and animal ingestion of gasoline indicate that gasoline has 

a direct irritating effect on the gastrointestinal mucosal tissue. Damage to the digestive tract (severe 

esophagitis, gastritis, congestive failure, degeneration of the gastric epithelium, and mucositis of the 
GASOLINE 72 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

oral cavity) has been observed in individuals who accidentally or intentionally ingested gasoline 

(Camevale et al. 1983; Hoffman et al. 1980; Janssen et al. 1988). Similarly, rats that were 

administered unleaded gasoline for 4 weeks by gavage were found to have gastric erythema, erosion of 

the gastric mucosa, and ulceration of the gastric epithelium (Halder et al. 1985). This appears to be a 

direct portal-of-entry effect as inhalation exposure to gasoline does not result in any adverse 

gastrointestinal effects. 

Hematological Effects. Several human case studies have been reported that describe the occurrence of 

hematological effects in individuals with known long-term exposure to gasoline vapors. However, in 

most of these cases, the hematological effects reported were most likely due to a constituent of 

gasoline. For example, basophilic stippling, increased erythrocyte protoporphyrin, and increased 

ALAD activity have been noted in individuals exposed to leaded gasoline vapor (Boeckx et al. 1977; 

Chessare and Wodarcyk 1988; Young et al. 1977). These effects are also known to occur with 

exposure to lead (see ATSDR toxicological profile for lead [ATSDR 1991) and so may have been due 

to the presence of organic lead compounds in the gasoline. An increased incidence of various blood 

dyscrasias (anemia, hypochromia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia) has been observed in Nigerian 

males with known exposure to gasoline in their occupations as motor mechanics and road-side vendors 

of heavy motor oil and/or gasoline as compared to controls with no known exposure to gasoline (Niazi 

et al. 1989). The authors attributed the increased incidence of these disorders to benzene that is 

present in gasoline (see ATSDR toxicological profile for benzene [ATSDR 1991). 

Hemolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation have been observed in cases of accidental or 

intentional acute ingestion of gasoline (Banner and Walson 1983; Janssen et al. 1988). The 

mechanism for these effects is not known, but they resolved within a few days after ingestion. 

No adverse hematological effects have been noted in animals after inhalation exposure to up to 

2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for up to 2 years (Kuna and Ulrich 1984; MacFarland et al. 

1984). No information is available, however, on the hematological effects of gasoline following oral 

exposure in animals. 
GASOLINE 73 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Based on the findings reported above in humans, it appears that adverse hematological effects can 

occur following short-term, high-level exposure and longer-term, lower-level exposure to gasoline. 

These effects are most likely the result of exposure to benzene or lead, constituents of gasoline. The 

effects seen after acute exposure are most likely reversible, whereas the effects seen after long-term 

exposure may not be reversible. 

Musculoskeletul Effects. One case of acute severe myopathy was reported in an l8 year-old male 

with a history of sniffing leaded gasoline (Kovanen et al. 1983). The mechanism by which gasoline 

could have induced this myopathy is not known. The authors speculated that the myopathy may have 

been due to individual susceptibility or that the patient may have had a subclinical, possibly metabolic, 

myopathy that was exacerbated by gasoline sniffing. No other reports of adverse muscular or skeletal 

effects in humans or animals following exposure to gasoline were found. The relevance of this one 

case of myopathy to humans exposed to gasoline at hazardous waste sites is not known. 

Hepatic Effects. A transient increase in serum enzymes indicative of liver function (γ-glutamyl 

transferase, SGOT, SGPT, and CPK) has been noted in individuals who accidentally or intentionally 

ingested gasoline (Janssen et al. 1988) or who were immersed in gasoline (Simpson and Cruse 1981). 

While these enzyme changes suggest that acute exposure to gasoline caused liver toxicity, no 

histopathological evaluations were performed to ascertain the presence and extent of this toxicity. 

Given that no adverse noncancer hepatic effects have been noted in animals exposed to gasoline for 

90 days or 2 years (Kuna and Ulrich 1984; MacFarland et al. 1984; Standeven and Goldsworthy 1993; 

Standeven et al. 1994a; Tilbury et al. 1993), the relevance of these transient enzyme changes in 

humans following acute exposures with regard to long-term, low-level exposure near hazardous waste 

sites is not known. 

Renal Effects. Reversible renal injury (oliguria, tubular necrosis, interstitial edema, hematuria, and 

reduced creatinine clearance) has been reported in a number of case reports of individuals who 

accidentally or intentionally ingested gasoline (Banner and Walson 1983; Kuehnel and Fisher 1986; 

Janssen et al. 1988). Unleaded gasoline is one of a diverse group of hydrocarbons that have been 

shown to induce a unique syndrome of nephropatby in male rats that is associated with the 
GASOLINE 74 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

accumulation of the protein, α2u -globulin, following acute, subchronic, or chronic inhalation and oral 

exposure (Borriston Labs 1985; Garg et al. 1988, 1989; G&in et al. 1988; Halder et al. 1984, 1985; 

Kuna and Ulrich 1984; MacFarland et al. 1984; Murty et al. 1988; Olson et al. 1987a, 1988; Short et 

al. 1987, 1989a, 1989b) (see Section 2.2.1.2, Renal Effects). 

The available data indicate that the nephrotoxic syndrome described above that is induced by unleaded 

gasoline and several other hydrocarbons is unique to male rats and not relevant to humans. The 

hepatic synthesis of α2u -globulin is under androgenic control, and the protein is found at 

100-300 times higher concentrations in male rat urine than in female rat urine (Shapiro and 

Sachchidananda 1982; Van Doren et al. 1983). There is no evidence that humans produce 

α2u-globulin. Only trace quantities of proteins within the same protein family as α2u-globulin have 

been identified in human urine (Olson et al. 1990). α2u-Globulin and hyaline droplet accumulation, 

and the associated constellation of nephrotoxic effects that are observed in male rats, have not been 

observed in female rats or mice or monkeys of either sex exposed to unleaded gasoline (Kuna and 

Ulrich 1984; MacFarland et al. 1984). Estradiol treatment in male rats after the administration of 

2 mL/kg of unleaded gasoline by gavage for 3 days reduced the content of α2u-globulin in the renal 

cortex to 25%, 41%, and 52% on post-exposure days 3, 6, and 9, respectively, as compared to rats 

administered gasoline but given no hormone treatment (Garge et al. 1988). Furthermore, the removal 

of hyaline droplets was increased in the rats receiving estradiol treatment as compared to those 

receiving no hormones. In addition, this syndrome could not be induced in male NCI-Black-Reiter 

rats administered API PS-6 (Dietrich and Swenberg 1991). The NCI-Black-Reiter rat is an inbred 

strain of rats that does not synthesize α2u-globulin. In their document entitled, “Alpha-2u-Globulin: 

Association with Chemically-Induced Renal Toxicity and Neoplasia in the Male Rat” (EPA 1991), 

EPA’s Risk Assessment Forum concluded that in light of this evidence, 

“If a compound induces α2u-globulin accumulation in hyaline droplets, the 

associated nephropathy in male rats is not an appropriate end point to determine 

noncancer (systemic) effects potentially occurring in humans. Likewise, 

quantitative estimates of noncancer risk (e.g., reference doses and margin-ofexposure determinations) are based on other end points. 
GASOLINE 75 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Further, 

“...if the sequence of lesions characteristic of the α2u-globulin syndrome are 

present, the associated nephropathy in the male rat does not contribute to 

determinations of noncarcinogenic hazard or risk.” 

Thus, it does not appear that the nephrotoxicity attributable to the α2u-globulin syndrome observed in 

male rats after exposure to gasoline is relevant to humans exposed to gasoline at hazardous waste sites. 

Endocrine Effects. No studies were located regarding endocrine effects in humans after exposure to 

gasoline. In rats, a decrease in relative adrenal weight was noted following intermediate-duration 

exposure to gasoline vapors (Kuna and Ulrich 1984). However, the toxicological significance of this 

change in adrenal weight is unknown since there no accompanying treatment-related histological 

effects. 

Dermal Effects. Gasoline is irritating to the skin of both humans and animals. Partial or full skin 

thickness bums have been noted in individuals who were immersed in gasoline for several hours 

(Hansbrough et al. 1985; Simpson and Cruse 1981), and single as well as repeated applications of neat 

gasoline to the skin of rabbits cause slight to severe irritation (Beck et al. 1983). Gasoline is not a 

dermal sensitizer in guinea pigs (Vemot et al. 1990). 

Ocular Effects. Ocular irritation was noted in human subjects exposed acutely to 200, 500, or 

1,000 ppm atomized gasoline vapor (Davis et al. 1960; Drinker et al. 1943). 

No ocular irritation was seen following the instillation of undiluted gasoline into the eyes of rabbits 

(Vemot et al. 1990). 

Body Weight Effects. No studies were located regarding body weight effects in humans after 

exposure to gasoline. Intermediate- and chronic-duration exposures to gasoline vapors have been 

reported to cause significant decreases in body weight gain in rats and mice (MacFarland et al. 1984). 
GASOLINE 76 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects. No studies were located regarding immunological 

and lymphoreticular effects in humans after exposure to gasoline. 

No apparent immunological effects (as measured by IgG deposits in the kidney and lungs) were noted 

in rats or monkeys exposed to gasoline by inhalation for 90 days (Kuna and Ulrich 1984). Gasoline is 

not a dermal sensitizer in guinea pigs (Vemot et al. 1990). 

Exposure to hydrocarbons has been loosely associated with Goodpasture’s syndrome in humans. This 

syndrome is characterized by glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage caused by the binding of 

circulating antibodies to basement membrane antigens on the glomerular and alveolar basement 

membranes, respectively (O’Regan and Turgeon 1986; Yamamoto and Wilson 1987). To determine 

whether gasoline exposure causes pulmonary alveolar damage, thereby allowing the passage of 

antibodies into the alveoli where they bind to lung basement membrane, rats were exposed by 

inhalation to unleaded gasoline (O’Regan and Turgeon 1986). The animals were then injected with 

sera containing anti-GBM, sacrificed, and the lungs were removed for light and immunofluorescence 

microscopy. The anti-GBM failed to bind to alveolar basement membrane in the gasoline-exposed 

animals as determined by immunofluorescence. Based on these results, it does not appear that 

exposure to gasoline in this manner damages the alveolar endothelium which would allow passage of 

anti-GBM and cause the pulmonary hemorrhage associated with Goodpasture’s syndrome. However, 

in another study in which unleaded gasoline was administered to rabbits by intratracheal 

administration, horse anti-GBM/ABM antibodies were found bound to the ABM in a linear, but focal, 

fashion (Yamamoto and Wilson 1987). No deposits were found in the lungs of rabbits administered 

saline instead of gasoline. In addition, there was a significant increase in the uptakes of radiolabeled 

anti-GBM/ABM in the lungs of animals administered gasoline as compared to the animals 

administered saline. These results suggest that gasoline does damage the alveolar endothelium 

allowing the passage of antibodies into the alveoli, in contrast to the findings of O’Regan and Turgeon 

(1986). The reason for the discrepancy between the studies is not clear. One possible explanation is 

that intratracheal administration delivered a higher dose of gasoline to the lung than inhalation of 

gasoline vapors. The relevance of these findings to human exposure to gasoline at hazardous waste 

sites is not known. 
GASOLINE 77 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Neurological Effects. Acute exposure to gasoline vapors is characterized by a spectrum of effects 

that progress in severity and can include dizziness, headaches, giddiness, euphoria, vertigo, blurred 

vision, nausea, numbness, drowsiness, anesthesia, and coma (Poklis and Burkett 1977). Acute 

ingestion of large amounts of gasoline has also been reported to induce adverse neurological effects 

such as lethargy, convulsions, and coma (Beamon et al. 1976). Chronic exposure to gasoline (i.e., in 

individuals who habitually sniff gasoline for its euphoric/hallucinogenic properties) is associated with 

neurological effects, such as cerebellar effects including postural tremor, ataxia, abnormal gait, affected 

speech, fatigue, headaches, memory loss, and sleep problems (Carroll and Abel 1973; Coulehan et al. 

1983; Goldings and Stewart 1982; Kaelan et al. 1986; Kullman and Hill 1990; Moss and Cooper 1986; 

Pandya et al. 1975; Rischbieth et al. 1987; Young et al. 1977). Behavioral and intellectual changes 

(effects on visual memory and perception, psychomotor disturbances, visuomotor learning ability) have 

been observed in individuals chronically exposed to gasoline (Carroll and Abel 1973; Kumar et al. 

1988; Robinson 1978). Many of the neurological changes associated with exposure to leaded gasoline 

can be attributed to organic and inorganic lead encephalopathy (Robinson 1978; Valpey et al. 1978). 

However, the exact mechanism by which unleaded gasoline induces neurological effects is not known. 

Animals acutely exposed to high levels of gasoline also exhibit neurotoxic effects, including 

restlessness, equilibrium disturbances, convulsions, and narcosis (Przybylowski 1971). Evidence of 

neuropathological effects (pigmentation of the neuronal cytoplasm, Wallerian degeneration, axonal 

degeneration, and axonal dystrophy) was found in rats chronically exposed to unleaded gasoline vapors 

(API PS-6) (API 1982). However, because of the small number of animals studied and the lack of 

statistical analyses, these results are of questionable value. Other chronic studies failed to note any 

exposure-related effects in rats or mice with respect to functional and behavioral indices or the 

histopathology of the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. 

Based on information obtained in humans and animals, it is reasonable to expect that humans acutely 

exposed by inhalation to high levels of gasoline vapors or chronically exposed to low levels such as 

those found near hazardous waste sites will experience adverse neurological effects. 
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Reproductive Effects. No studies were located regarding reproductive effects in humans after 

inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure to gasoline. 

Only one study was available in animals in which male mice intermittently exposed to either 400 or 

1,600 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for 8 weeks showed no evidence of dominant effect on the sperm 

cells (Litton Bionetics 1980). The relevance of this finding with regard to adverse effects in humans 

is not known. 

Although no exposure-related histopathological effects were noted in the reproductive organs of rats or 

mice exposed to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984), a recent 

reevaluation of slides from this bioassay revealed a decrease in the severity of uterine cystic 

endometrial hyperplasia in female mice. In addition, an increase in the incidence and severity of 

uterine atrophy was observed in aged female mice. It has been postulated that the uterine effects may 

be due to possible antiestrogenic effects of gasoline (Standeven et al. 1994a). The available data, 

however, provide only weak support for the antiestrogenic effect of gasoline on endogenous estrogen 

(Standeven et al. 1994a, 1994b). The available information is inadequate to assess the potential risk 

for reproductive effects in humans living in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites containing gasoline. 

Developmental Effects. Anecdotal data have suggested a link between chronic gasoline vapor 

exposure of pregnant women and congenital defects of the central nervous system in their children. In 

utero exposure to leaded gasoline was found to cause retarded development and anomalies of head and 

muscles in two children (Hunter et al. 1979). Based on the limited available data, the study was 

considered inadequate to establish a relationship between inhalation exposure to gasoline and human 

developmental toxicity. 

In contrast, no developmental effects were found in rats exposed to unleaded gasoline vapors at 

concentrations as high as 1,600 ppm during gestation (Litton Bionetics 1978). These data are 

insufficient to assess the developmental toxicity of gasoline in animals. No data were available for 

other routes of exposure in animals. Therefore, there are insufficient data to assess whether gasoline 

could induce developmental effects in humans exposed at hazardous waste sites. 
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Genotoxic Effects. The potential genotoxicity of gasoline in humans was evaluated by measuring 

micronuclei induction in the peripheral lymphocytes of male gasoline pump mechanics in Sweden 

(Högstedt et al. 1991). In this study, the investigators compared the effects of gasoline on both B- and 

T-lymphocytes. The data showed that significant micronuclei induction was observed in the B-cells of 

the gasoline-exposed group but not in the T-cells. Since gasoline in Sweden may contain as much as 

5% benzene (typical American automotive fuel contains 0.5-2.5% benzene), the study results should 

be interpreted with caution. This inclusion of benzene was also considered by the authors, who 

suggested that benzene may have been responsible for the genotoxic effects observed in this study 

(Högstedt et al. 1991). No other human epidemiology or case/control studies were found concerning 

the genotoxicity of gasoline. From this study it seems that gasoline, or at least components of 

gasoline (i.e., benzene), may produce some chromosomal damage in human B-lymphocytes. However, 

because exposure concentrations and exposure durations were not discussed and because Swedish 

gasoline contains higher concentrations of benzene than American fuel (see Chapter 3), it is difficult to 

determine the degree of exposure to American gasoline that would be harmful to humans. 

In a UDS test, primary hepatocytes were recovered from three human surgery patients and were 

exposed to unleaded gasoline doses ranging from 0.01% to 0.1%. The results were difficult to 

interpret because neither the cytotoxic nor the genotoxic response was uniform. A weakly positive 

effect occurred in the cells from one of the three subjects and was confined to a single dose (0.01% 

unleaded gasoline). From these observations, the researchers concluded that human hepatocytes may 

not be particularly sensitive to gasoline genotoxicity (Butterworth et al. 1989). In a second UDS assay 

involving primary human hepatocytes, a significant increase in UDS was obtained at one dose 

(0.01%); exposure to higher levels (0.05%) resulted in severe cytotoxicity (Loury et al. 1986). Of 

additional interest was the marked increase in the percentage of cells in repair (25% in treated cells as 

compared to 1% in control cells). 

Studies exposing whole animals to gasoline in viva were largely negative for such genotoxic effects as 

chromosome aberrations in somatic cells, dominant lethal mutations in male germinal cells, and DNA 

damage (see Table 2-4). The oral exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats to unleaded gasoline (API PS-6) 

did not produce significant chromosome damage (Dooley et al. 1988). The lack of a clastogenic effect 

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was supported by the negative findings of an additional in viva cytogenetic assay. These results 

showed that neither the single intraperitoneal injection of 0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 mL per rat nor the 

intraperitoneal administration of 0.013, 0.04, or 0.13 ml/rat/day unleaded gasoline that contained 2% 

benzene and 39% aromatics for 5 days induced a clastogenic response in the bone marrow cells of 

male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (Conaway et al. 1984). No significant decrease in pregnancy or 

increase in pre- or postimplantation loss were observed in female CD-1 mice impregnated by males 

that inhaled unleaded gasoline prior to mating (Litton Bionetics 1980). The findings, however, are not 

conclusive; the sample size of pregnant females was too small to clearly establish that unleaded 

gasoline did not induce dominant lethal mutations. UDS was not significantly increased in the kidney 

cells of Fischer-344 rats exposed to unleaded gasoline (API PS-6) by inhalation or gavage (Lout-y et 

al. 1987), nor was UDS activity increased tn the hepatocytes of male rats exposed orally to unleaded 

gasoline (API PS-6) (Loury et al. 1986). However, a significant rise in the number of dividing kidney 

cells (SDS) was observed in male rats exposed to unleaded gasoline via both oral and inhalation 

routes. The oral route of exposure produced the greater effect. However, cell turnover was not 

increased in the females (Loury et al. 1987). A weakly positive response for UDS activity was 

observed in hepatocytes from B6C3F1 mice orally exposed to unleaded gasoline. In agreement with 

the findings in male rat kidney cells, male mice exhibited a statistically significant increase in 

percentage of replicating hepatocytes; no S-phase induction was seen in the females (Loury et al. 

1986). 

The weight of evidence from in viva animal studies suggests that, as a mixture, unleaded gasoline is 

not genotoxic to rats and probably not strongly genotoxic to mice. It is possible, however, that 

unleaded gasoline is toxic to organs such as the kidney and liver in male rodents. The relevance of 

these results to humans is indeterminable at this time. 

Leaded gasoline, containing approximately 0.01% 1,2-dichloroethane, was evaluated for mutagenic 

effects in Drosophila melunogaster. Larvae fed 1.0% and 2.5% gasoline showed significantly 

increased frequencies of somatic mutations (Nylander et al. 1978). Because 1,2-dichloroethane alone 

also induced a powerful mutagenic response in this study, the authors concluded that the mutagenic 

activity observed with gasoline was probably due to the 1,2-dichloroethane component. Although 1,2­
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dichloroethane is typically included in American unleaded gasoline as a lead scavenger, the 

concentration was not specified in this study. Therefore, the relevance of this finding to public health 

is inconclusive. 

Gasoline genotoxicity was evaluated using human cells in vitro (see Table 2-5). Human 

TK6 lymphoblastoid cells were examined for mutations at the TK+/- locus following treatment with 

0.6% and 1.2% unleaded gasoline; higher concentrations were cytotoxic. No significant increase in 

incidence of mutations was observed either with or without metabolic activation (Richardson et al. 

1986). The test mixture used in this study was API PS-6. Similarly, exposure to the volatile 

components of unleaded gasoline both with and without metabolic activation failed to induce a 

mutagenic effect. The same investigators reported that unleaded gasoline (API PS-6) (0.6% and 1.2% 

with or without activation) did not induce sister chromatid exchange in the human 

TK6 lymphoblastoid cell line (Richardson et al. 1986). 

In vitro rodent studies produced mixed results (see Table 2-5). Mouse lymphoma L5178Y (TK+/-) cells 

were considered negative for gene mutations because no consistent upward trend in the mutation 

frequency was observed (Conaway et al. 1984). In another study using mouse lymphoma cells, 

increases in the mutation frequency to at least twice that of the controls were observed at dose levels 

of API PS-6 that reduced cell growth to approximately 5% or lower (0.060 and 0.070 μL/mL without 

metabolic activation, 0.150 and 0.175 μL/mL with activation); there was, however, no dose-related 

effect (Dooley et al. 1988). Without evidence of a dose response, the increased mutation frequencies 

at severely cytotoxic levels should not be considered indicative of mutagenesis. Mouse hepatocytes 

were positive for UDS activity at the lowest assayed concentration (0.01% unleaded gasoline [API 

PS-61]); higher doses, 0.03% and 0.05%, were cytotoxic (Loury et al. 1986). Exposure of rat 

hepatocytes to unleaded gasoline (API PS-6) produced inconsistent results for UDS. In .one study, 

concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% unleaded gasoline induced reproducible and significant dose-dependent 

UDS responses (Loury et al. 1986). In the second study, rat hepatocytes exposed to 

concentrations of API PS-6 ranging from 0.0001% to 0.010% (from 0.1 to 10 μL/mL) showed no 

significant increase in UDS activity at any level (API 1988). It was noted, however, that cell survival 

at the highest assayed level (88%) was only marginally affected by treatment. It is conceivable that 


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the concentrations evaluated in this second study were below the range of detection of a UDS 

response. Rat kidney cells were negative for UDS activity following the in vitro exposure to 0.005% 

and 0.010% unleaded gasoline (API PS-6); higher doses, 0.050% and O.100 %, were cytotoxic (Loury 

et al. 1986). 

Ames Salmonella tests were negative for gene mutation both with and without metabolic activation 

(see Table 2-5). No mutagenic effect was seen in the Ames Salmonellulmicrosome plate incorporation 

assay conducted with unleaded gasoline containing 2% benzene and 39% aromatics at concentrations 

ranging from 0.001 to 5 μL/plate (Conaway et al. 1984). When the assay was repeated using the 

preincubation modification of the Ames test with a dose range of 3.75-30 μL/mL, increased mutant 

colony counts for strains TA98 and TA100 were observed but were confined to the highest 

nonactivated dose (30 μL/ mL). At this concentration, there was an approximate 50% reduction in cell 

survival. In the absence of a dose-related effect, increases in mutant colonies at cytotoxic levels 

cannot be considered conclusive evidence of mutagenesis. 

Cancer. A number of epidemiological studies have been conducted on workers occupationally 

exposed to petroleum and hydrocarbons, including gasoline. These studies all have several inherent 

limitations that preclude their use as evidence for an association between gasoline exposure and cancer 

in humans. These include lack of information on levels of exposure to gasoline vapor; concurrent 

exposure to other potentially carcinogenic substances (i.e., service station attendants are also exposed 

to motor oils, diesel fuel oils, and solvents as well as automobile and truck engine exhausts); no 

adjustment for potential confounding factors (e.g., smoking); and no latency analyses. EPA (1987a) 

reviewed 55 relevant studies of unleaded gasoline-exposed populations and concluded that the evidence 

for drawing causal inferences between unleaded gasoline and cancer was inadequate. Some of the 

recent epidemiological data suggest a possible association between gasoline exposure and kidney 

cancer and leukemia. 

An exposure-related increase in the incidence of renal tubular tumors was observed in male rats 

exposed to unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984). Female rats and mice of 

both sexes similarly exposed in this experiment failed to exhibit renal tumors. The renal tubular 
______________________________ 

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2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

tumors observed in the male rats are considered to be the result of a process involving the 

accumulation of α2u-globulin that ultimately leads to cytotoxicity, tubular epithelium degeneration, 

hyperplastic regeneration, and tumors (MacFarland et al. 1984). The relevance of α2u-globulin-mediated 

male rat nephropathy and carcinogenicity to humans has been questioned (see previous 

subsection on Renal Effects). EPA (1991) has concluded that. 

“Male rat renal tubule tumors arising as a result of a process involving α2u-globulin 

accumulation do not contribute to the qualitative weight-of-evidence that 

a chemical poses a human carcinogenic hazard. Such tumors are not included in 

dose-response extrapolations for the estimation of human carcinogenic risk.” 

An exposure-related increase in the incidence of hepatocellular tumors was observed in female mice 

exposed to unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984). Some of these tumors 

metastasized to the lungs. 

The MacFarland et al. (1984) study is limited with respect to its relevance to human health risk 

because the animals were exposed to wholly vaporized gasoline, which has the same composition as 

liquid gasoline and is not the same as the gasoline vapors that humans would be exposed to in ambient 

conditions. Gasoline emissions normally found in the environment contain lower concentrations of 

hydrocarbons with very low vapor pressures (i.e., the branched-chain hydrocarbons, such as 2,2,4­

trimethylpentane, that have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity) than those found in liquid gasoline. 

Thus, the studies in animals using wholly vaporized gasoline may not adequately reflect the 

carcinogenic risk to humans. 

Based on the weight-of-evidence from the animal data discussed above, EPA (1987a) classified 

gasoline as a Group B2 (probable) carcinogen.1 

1

This classification has not been verified by EPA’s Carcinogenicity Risk Assessment Verification 

Endeavor (CRAVE) Workgroup, is not on IRIS, and is currently undergoing review by EPA. 
GASOLINE 87 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Benzene, a component of gasoline, is a known human carcinogen that has been shown to cause an 

increased incidence of hematopoietic cancers (leukemia) in occupationally exposed workers (see 

toxicological profile for benzene [ATSDR 19911]). However, as discussed above and in 

Section 2.2.1.8, the evidence for an association between increased incidence of cancer (including 

leukemia) and exposure to gasoline in humans is inadequate. Furthermore, while there is sufficient 

evidence that benzene is carcinogenic in rats, causing an increased incidence of tumors at multiple 

sites including the oral and nasal cavities, Zymbal gland, and the liver, as well as myelogenous 

neoplasms (see toxicological profile for benzene [ATSDR 1991]), gasoline has only been shown to 

cause increased incidences of renal cell tumors in male rats (a finding that is not considered relevant to 

humans) and liver tumors in female mice. Therefore, there is no conclusive evidence to support or 

refute the carcinogenic potential of gasoline in humans or animals based on the carcinogenicity of one 

of its components, benzene. 

2.5 BIOMARKERS OF EXPOSURE AND EFFECT 

Biomarkers are broadly defined as indicators signaling events in biologic systems or samples. They 

have been classified as markers of exposure, markers of effect, and markers of susceptibility 

(NASLNRC 1989). 

A biomarker of exposure is a xenobiotic substance or its metabolite(s) or the product of an interaction 

between a xenobiotic agent and some target molecule(s) or cell(s) that is measured within a 

compartment of an organism (NAS/NRC 1989). The preferred biomarkers of exposure are generally 

the substance itself or substance-specific metabolites in readily obtainable body fluid(s) or excreta. 

However, several factors can confound the use and interpretation of biomarkers of exposure. The 

body burden of a substance may be the result of exposures from more than one source,. The substance 

being measured may be a metabolite of another xenobiotic substance (e.g., high urinary levels of 

phenol can result from exposure to several different aromatic compounds). Depending on the 

properties of the substance (e.g., biologic half-life) and environmental conditions (e.g., duration and 

route of exposure), the substance and all of its metabolites may have left the body by the time biologic 

samples can be taken. It may be difficult to identify individuals exposed to hazardous substances that 
GASOLINE 88 

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are commonly found in body tissues and fluids (e.g., essential mineral nutrients such as copper, zinc, 

and selenium). Biomarkers of exposure to gasoline are discussed in Section 2.5.1. 

Biomarkers of effect are defined as any measurable biochemical, physiologic, or other alteration within 

an organism that, depending on magnitude, can be recognized as an established or potential health 

impairment or disease (NAS/NRC 1989). This definition encompasses biochemical or cellular signals 

of tissue dysfunction (e.g., increased liver enzyme activity or pathologic changes in female genital 

epithelial cells), as well as physiologic signs of dysfunction such as increased blood pressure or 

decreased lung capacity. Note that these markers are often not substance specific. They also may not 

be directly adverse, but can indicate potential health impairment (e.g., DNA adducts). Biomarkers of 

effects caused by gasoline are discussed in Section 2.5.2. 

A biomarker of susceptibility is an indicator of an inherent or acquired limitation of an organism’s 

ability to respond to the challenge of exposure to a specific xenobiotic substance. It can be an 

intrinsic genetic or other characteristic or a preexisting disease that results in an increase in absorbed 

dose, biologically effective dose, or target tissue response. If biomarkers of susceptibility exist, they 

are discussed in Section 2.7, “Populations That Are Unusually Susceptible.” 

2.5.1 Biomarkers Used to Identify or Quantify Exposure to Gasoline 

Increased blood and urine lead levels were at one time commonly used as indicators of exposure to 

gasoline. However, the phasing out of leaded gasoline and increased use of unleaded gasoline have 

decreased the effectiveness of monitoring for blood or urine lead as a biomarker for gasoline exposure. 

It should also be noted that elevated blood lead and urine levels are not specific for exposure to 

gasoline and could indicate exposure to any of the lead compounds. Elevated blood and.urine lead 

levels have been observed in several chronic gasoline sniffers (Goldings and Stewart 1982; Robinson 

1978). Gasoline vendors who had been exposed to gasoline in the workplace for anywhere from 

4 months to 35 years had mean total blood lead levels of 32.9 μg/100 mL, significantly higher than 

levels found in the control population (14.3 μg/l00 n-L) (Moore et al. 1976). 
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Increased urinary thioether output has limited use as a biomarker of exposure to gasoline. Many of 

the hydrocarbons in gasoline are metabolized by the mixed function oxidase system and the 

metabolites then undergo conjugation with glutathione, followed by urinary excretion as mercapturates 

(thioethers). Gasoline pump attendants and garage mechanics excreted higher than normal levels of 

urinary thioether at the end of the day (Stock and Priestly 1986). The differences were greater in 

attendant-operated outlets than in self service outlets. These results indicate that occupational exposure 

to gasoline induces increased urinary thioether output. However, increased urinary thioether output is 

not specific for exposure to gasoline and could indicate exposure to a number of chemicals. It should 

be noted that this study was complicated by the fact that several of the workers were smokers. 

Cigarette smoke is known to induce mixed fiurction oxidase activity and thus may alter the output of 

metabolites that conjugate with glutathione. The influence of cigarette smoking on the urinary 

excretion of thioethers has been studied in workers employed in suburban petroleum retail outlets. 

Workers exposed to gasoline at driveway attended stations excreted a significantly greater amount of 

thioethers in the urine than those at self service outlets (Edwards and Priestly 1993). Urinary 

thioethers excretion tended to be higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. The difference between the 

2 groups was not statistically significant. In addition, postwork urinary thioether concentrations were 

positively correlated with cigarette smoking. 

Biomarkers of benzene exposure such as elevated urinary phenol levels are often used to detect 

exposure to gasoline. The average level of urinary phenol excreted by gasoline workers was 40 mg/L 

which is higher than the normal amount (<20 mg/L) (Pandya et al. 1975). It should be noted that the 

benzene content of the gasoline used in this study was relatively high, 10-17%, as compared to typical 

American gasoline which contains 0.5-2.5% benzene (see Chapter 3). For more information on the 

use of urinary phenol as a biomarker of benzene exposure, see the ATSDR toxicological profile for 

benzene (ATSDR 1991). 

The hydrocarbon components of gasoline such as benzene, toluene, pentane, and hexane have been 

measured in the blood of gasoline-exposed humans (Brugnone et al. 1986; Kimura et al. 1988; 

Matsubara et al. 1988). Also, benzene, toluene, and xylenes were detected in the blood samples 

collected from Wistar rats immediately after exposure to 5,000 ppm gasoline vapor for 30 minutes 
GASOLINE 90 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

(Kimura et al. 1988). Increased hydrocarbon blood levels are not specific for gasoline exposure and 

are not commonly used as biomarkers of exposure. 

2.5.2 Biomarkers Used to Characterize Effects Caused by Gasoline 

Potential biomarkers for neurological effects of gasoline are slowed motor nerve conduction velocity 

and indices of cerebellar dysfunction. Some chronically exposed individuals were found to have 

abnormal slowing of nerve conduction (Gallassi et al. 1980; Goldings and Stewart 1982; Hall et al. 

1986; Hansen and Sharp 1978; Rischbieth et al. 1987; Robinson 1978; Seshia et al. 1978). Cerebellar 

dysfunction (e.g., ataxia, poor coordination, decreased muscle tone, broad-based gait, myoclonic 

movements) is a typical symptom observed in gasoline sniffers (Carroll and Abel 1973; Coulehan et 

al. 1983; Goldings and Stewart 1982; Kaelan et al. 1986; Moss and Cooper 1986; Rischbieth et al. 

1987; Young et al. 1977). These neurological effects are not specific for gasoline exposure and could 

indicate exposure to lead or any other neurotoxic substance. General neurological effects such as 

nausea, vomiting, irritability, restlessness, and anxiety were observed in people exposed to lead and 

other components of gasoline. These could possibly be used as biomarkers of exposure to high levels 

of gasoline but, because of their nonspecificity, would only be useful when gasoline exposure is 

suspected. 

2.6 INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER CHEMICALS 

Limited data are available on the interactions between the gasoline mixture and other substances. The 

metabolic interactions of benzene and gasoline vapor have been investigated in male Fischer-344 rats 

by utilizing a closed chamber gas-uptake exposure system to study uptake and metabolism. It was 

demonstrated that benzene metabolism in male rats can be decreased in the presence of gasoline vapor 

(Travis et al. 1992). The gasoline used in the study contained 170 ppm benzene. A physiologically 

based pharmacokinetic model of benzene metabolism indicated that the inhibitory effect could not be 

accounted for by the presence of toluene. Some information is available on the interactions between 

the individual components of gasoline and other substances. For example, benzene toxicity is affected 

by compounds that alter its metabolism such as alcohol, drugs, and industrial chemicals (Goldstein 

1977; NESCAUM 1989). Also, the toxicity of benzene may be enhanced by other myelotoxic agents 
GASOLINE 91 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

such as radiation, metals, halogenated hydrocarbons, and pesticides (Goldstein 1977; NESCAUM 

1989). For more information on the interactions of the individual components of gasoline with other 

substances, see the appropriate ATSDR toxicological profiles on these compounds (ATSDR 1989, 

1990, 1991). 

The interactions among the components of gasoline should also be considered. The number of 

potential interactions within gasoline increases exponentially with the number of components 

(NESCAUM 1989). Since gasoline may contain as many as 1,000 chemical substances, the number of 

possible interactions is very large. It is not possible, however, to reliably predict the effects of these 

complex interactions (NESCAUM 1989). There are data indicating that the interactions among the 

components may influence their characteristic absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination 

patterns. For more information on toxicokinetics of gasoline, see Section 2.3. 

The interaction between unleaded gasoline and exogenous estrogen in liver tumor promotion has been 

demonstrated in female mice (Standeven et al. 1994). Female mice (12 day old) were administered 

intraperitoneal injections of N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) or vehicle. The mice were exposed to 

wholly vaporized PS-6 blend unleaded gasoline vapor at concentrations of 0, 292, or 2,056 ppm for 

6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 16 weeks. Increases in relative liver weight, the number of gross hepatic 

neoplasms, and the size and volume of altered hepatic foci were observed in DEN-initiated mice 

treated with 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline. These effects were not observed in DEN-initiated mice 

treated with 292 ppm unleaded gasoline. Additionally, groups of mice were exposed to 1 ppm ethinyl 

estradiol (EE2) in the diet or to 1 ppm EE2 in the diet as well as to 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline 

vapor for 16 weeks. Cotreatment with EE2 potentiated the unleaded gasoline-induced liver tumor 

promotion. Treatment with 2,056 ppm unleaded gasoline also resulted in antiestrogenic effects, 

including decreased relative uterine weight and partial reversal of EEZ-induced body weight loss, 

anestrus, and vaginal keratinization. 
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

2.7 POPULATIONS THAT ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE 

A susceptible population will exhibit a different or enhanced response to gasoline than will most 

persons exposed to the same level of gasoline in the environment. Reasons for such a response 

include genetic make-up, developmental stage, health and nutritional status, and chemical exposure 

history. These parameters may result in decreased function of the detoxification and excretory 

processes (mainly hepatic and renal) or may affect the pre-existing compromised function of target 

organs. For these reasons we expect the elderly with declining organ function and the youngest of the 

population with immature and developing organs will generally be more vulnerable to toxic substances 

than healthy adults. Populations who are at greater risk due to their unusually high exposure are 

discussed in Section 5.6, “Populations With Potentially High Exposure.” 

Limited data are available on populations that are unusually susceptible to the toxic effects of gasoline. 

There are limited data that gasoline may enhance sister chromatid exchange in circulating lymphocytes 

of cigarette smokers, possibly as a consequence of increased hepatic metabolism of gasoline to reactive 

metabolites (Edwards and Priestly 1993). Most of the information available on susceptible populations 

of gasoline toxicity pertains to the benzene component. In general, benzene exposures are likely to 

present a concern for those whose immune systems are not functioning optimally, such as the very 

young and the very old. There is some evidence to suggest that females are more susceptible to 

benzene toxicity (Goldstein 1977). Furthermore, pregnant women, whose hematopoietic systems are 

naturally under stress, may be particularly susceptible to benzene toxicity (Calabrese 1978). Benzene 

toxicity may be potentiated in the presence of thalassemia (abnormal hemoglobins) and malnutrition 

(Aksoy 1989; Calabrese 1978; Goldstein 1977). The hematotoxic effects of benzene may be enhanced 

by ethanol (Baarson et al. 1982, Nakajima et al. 1985). This is of particular concern for gasolineexposed 

workers who consume alcohol. (Note that this is not a comprehensive discussion of populations that are 

susceptible to benzene toxicity. For more information on populations unusually susceptible to the toxic 

effects of gasoline’s components, see the appropriate toxicological ATSDR profiles [ATSDR 1989, 1990, 

1991). 
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2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

2.8 METHODS FOR REDUCING TOXIC EFFECTS 

This section describes clinical practice and research concerning methods for reducing toxic effects of 

exposure to gasoline. However, because some of the treatments discussed may be experimental and 

unproven, this section should not be used as a guide for treatment of exposures to gasoline. When 

specific exposures have occurred, poison control centers and medical toxicologists should be consulted 

for medical advice. 

2.8.1 Reducing Peak Absorption Following Exposure 

Supportive treatment following ingestion or inhalation of gasoline may include the following: assisted 

ventilation techniques, treatment for pulmonary edema and seizures, administration of oxygen, 

administration of antiarrhythmics and anticonvulsants, intravenous administration of dextrose in water, 

dialysis, and hepatic failure treatment (Bronstein and Currance 1988; Ervin and Manske 1990; 

Goldfrank et al. 1990; Graham 1990). In cases of chronic gasoline inhalation, it may be necessary to 

screen for electrolyte imbalance and acid-base disturbances and to check serum lead and free 

erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels (Ellenhom and Barceloux 1988). For serious cases of aspiration 

secondary to gasoline ingestion, it may be necessary to follow acid-base status, fluid and electrolyte 

balance, renal and liver function, and serial arterial blood gases (Ellenhom and Barceloux 1988). The 

use of epinephrine is not suggested because it may precipitate lethal arrhythmias in the sensitized 

myocardium (Bronstein and Currance 1988; Ervin and Manske 1990; Goldfrank et al. 1990). 

Antibiotic and steroid treatment are not usually advocated; however, it may be necessary to administer 

steroids in the case of “shock lung” (Ellenhom and Barceloux 1988; Ervin and Manske 1990; 

Goldfrank et al. 1990). 

Methods used to increase the elimination of gasoline hydrocarbons from the gastrointestinal tract 

following ingestion include induction of vomiting, lavage, and the administration of cathartics. Much 

controversy surrounds the use of emetics as a means for gastrointestinal elimination of gasoline. The 

traditional view is that vomiting should not be induced because of the risk of aspiration and damage to 

the lung (Bronstein and Currance 1988; Ervin and Manske 1990). According to another point of view, 

the risk of aspiration during emesis is not very great; therefore, ipecac-induced emesis is recommended 
GASOLINE 94 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

in the alert patient who has ingested large amounts of gasoline (Ellenhorn and Barceloux 1988). In 

children, it is recommended that nothing be done to remove the substance from the stomach 

(Goldfrank et al. 1990). Since emesis causes fewer pulmonary complications than lavage, it is the 

preferred method for gastrointestinal decontamination (Ellenhorn and Barceloux 1988; Goldfrank et al. 

1990; Ng et al. 1974). However, for those patients who are too obtunded to ingest syrup of ipecac, 

lavage may be necessary. Lavage with the use of an endotracheal tube to protect the airway is 

suggested (Ellenhorn and Barceloux 1988; Ervin and Manske 1990; Goldfrank et al. 1990). Since 

aspirated oils can cause lipoid pneumonia and increase absorption of gasoline, the use of oils as 

cathartics should be avoided (Beamon et al. 1976; Goldfrank et al. 1990). The use of saline cathartics 

or sorbitol has been suggested (Ervin and Manske 1990). Activated charcoal does not effectively 

adsorb gasoline (Ellenhorn and Barceloux 1988; Goldfrank et al. 1990). In the case of leaded gasoline 

ingestion, chelation therapy may be used to lower the inorganic lead produced in the body. There is 

no antidote for triethyl lead intoxication (Garrettson 1990). 

Following dermal exposure to gasoline, the skin should be either washed with copious amounts of 

soapy water or soaked in water for a prolonged period of time (Goldfrank et al. 1990; Stutz and 

Janusz 1988). In the case of extensive dermal injuries, early debridement might be considered 

especially if the gasoline contains lead additives (Hansbrough et al. 1985). If the eyes are exposed, 

they should be thoroughly flushed with water (Goldfrank et al. 1990; Stutz and Janusz 1988). 

2.8.2 Reducing Body Burden 

There are no known effective methods for reducing the body burden of gasoline. Very little is known 

about the toxicokinetics of gasoline. However, the elimination rate of components of gasoline, for 

example, benzene and toluene, probably varies because of the metabolism of the gasoline components 

by the hepatic enzymes. Thus it is conceivable that alteration of the activities of hepatic enzymes may 

affect the elimination of gasoline. 
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2.8.3 Interfering With the Mechanism of Action for Toxic Effects 

Although several mechanisms have been proposed for the development of α2u-globulin nephropathy in 

the male rate following exposure to gasoline, this syndrome is unique to male rats and is not relevant 

to humans. The antiestrogenic effects of unleaded gasoline have been proposed as a possible 

underlying mechanism of the induction of hepatic tumors in female mice; however, this effect may be 

species and sex specific (Standeven et al. 1994a). 

2.9 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE 

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with 

the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether 

adequate information on the health effects of gasoline is available. Where adequate information is not 

available, ATSDR, in conjunction with the National Toxicology Program (NTP), is required to assure 

the initiation of a program of research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for 

developing methods to determine such health effects) of gasoline. 

The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from 

ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that, if met, 

would reduce or eliminate the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be 

interpreted to mean that all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the 

identified data needs will be evaluated and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda may 

be proposed. 

2.9.1 Existing Information on Health Effects of Gasoline 

The existing data on health effects of inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure of humans and animals to 

gasoline are summarized in Figure 2-3. The purpose of this figure is to illustrate the existing 

information concerning the health effects of gasoline. Each dot in the figure indicates that one or 

more studies provide information associated with that particular effect. The dot does not imply 

GASOLINE 97 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

anything about the quality of the study or studies. Gaps in this figure should not be interpreted as 

“data needs” information (i.e., data gaps that must necessarily be filled). 

Information is available on death and acute, chronic, neurological, developmental, genotoxic, and 

carcinogenic effects following inhalation exposure to gasoline; death and acute and neurological effects 

following oral exposure to gasoline; and acute effects following dermal exposure to gasoline in 

humans. Animal data exist for all end points following inhalation exposure to gasoline; for death and 

acute, intermediate, and genotoxic effects following oral exposure to gasoline; and death and acute and 

immunological effects following dermal exposure to gasoline. Therefore, as can be seen in Figure 2-3, 

the majority of the available information is on the health effects of inhaled gasoline in humans and 

animals, with very little information on the effects of oral and dermal exposure. 

2.9.2 Identification of Data Needs 

Acute-Duration Exposure. The central nervous system appears to be a target of gasoline toxicity 

following acute-duration exposures in both humans and animals. Acute exposure to high levels of 

gasoline, either by inhalation or ingestion can result in death in both humans and animals (Ainsworth 

1960; Beck et al. 1983; Boeckx et al. 1977; Carnevale et al. 1983; Poklis 1976; Vemot et al. 1990; 

Wang and Irons 1961). Acute inhalation exposure to gasoline is characterized by a spectrum of effects 

that progress in severity with exposure to increasing levels and can include eye irritation, dizziness, 

headaches, giddiness, euphoria, vertigo, blurred vision, nausea, numbness, drowsiness, anesthesia, and 

coma in humans (Poklis and Burkett 1977). Children admitted to the hospital as a result of gasoline 

ingestion exhibited central nervous system complications such as convulsions, coma, and lethargy 

(Beamon et al. 1976). Animals acutely exposed by inhalation to high levels of gasoline also exhibit 

neurotoxic effects, including restlessness, equilibrium disturbances, convulsions, and narcosis, but these 

effects may have been partially due to oxygen deprivation (Przybylowski 1971). The most common 

effect associated with acute ingestion of gasoline in humans is aspiration into the lungs resulting in 

respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, emphysema, pneumonia, and focal alveolar hemorrhage (Banner 

and Walson 1983; Beamon et al. 1976; Carnevale et al. 1983; Grufferman and Walker 1982; Janssen 

et al. 1988). Gasoline has been shown to be irritating at the portal of entry (i.e., the lungs after 
GASOLINE 98 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

inhalation or the gastrointestinal mucosa after ingestion) in both humans and animals (Carnvale et al. 

1983; Halder et al. 1985; Hoffman et al. 1980; Janssen et al. 1988). α2u-Globulin-mediated 

nephrotoxicity has been observed in male rats orally administered gasoline (Gerin et al. 1988; Olson et 

al. 1987a). This lesion is not considered to be relevant to humans, although evidence of reversible 

renal injury has been reported in a number of cases of individuals who accidentally or intentionally 

ingested gasoline (Banner and Walson 1983; Janssen et al. 1988; Kuehnel and Fisher 1986). 

Information on the health effects of dermal exposure to gasoline are lacking, but case reports of 

individuals who had been immersed in gasoline indicate that toxic effects similar to those seen after 

inhalation or ingestion of gasoline occur (Ainsworth 1960; Hansbrough et al. 1985; Simpson and Cruse 

1981). However, it is possible that these individuals were also exposed to gasoline via the inhalation 

and oral routes. Acute-duration dermal studies in animals report only slight to severe dermal irritation 

(Beck et al. 1983; Vernot et al. 1990). There are no toxicokinetic data available by the dermal route 

of exposure. However, given that the dermal absorption of hydrocarbon solvents is generally low 

relative to the oral route (NESCAUM 1989), systemic effects resulting from dermal exposure to 

gasoline are not as likely to occur as they would following oral or inhalation exposure. No acute 

MRLs have been developed because reliable exposure data are not available for end points of gasoline 

toxicity other than α2u-globulin-mediated nephrotoxicity and because of the wide variation in the 

composition of gasoline. More quantitative information on the levels of exposure that elicit various 

neurological effects in humans and animals following inhalation or oral exposure would be helpful. In 

addition, there are certain populations that might be exposed to gasoline for brief periods; therefore, 

this information is important in assessing the risk to these populations. 

Intermediate-Duration Exposure. No information is available on the effects of intermediateduration 

inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure to gasoline in humans. Intermediate-duration inhalation 

exposure to gasoline vapors has been reported to induce ultrastructural pulmonary changes in rats 

(fibrosing alveolitis) (Lykke et al. 1979). Ultrastructural pulmonary changes have been observed in 

rats exposed by inhalation to leaded gasoline (Lykke et al. 1979). These changes occur in conjunction 

with a reduction in the level of surfactant in the lungs of rats similarly exposed (Le Mesurier et al. 

1979). This end point was not chosen as the basis for an inhalation MRL because it is considered a 

serious effect and because of the variability in the composition of gasoline. However, no changes of 
GASOLINE 99 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

biological significance in pulmonary function were observed in monkeys following exposure to 

1,552 ppm gasoline vapor for 90 days (Kuna and Ulrich 1984). α2u-Globulin-mediated nephrotoxicity 

has been observed in male rats inhaling gasoline vapors or that have been orally administered gasoline 

(Borriston Labs 1985; Halder et al. 1984, 1985; Kuna and Ulrich 1984; Short et al. 1987, 1989a, 

1989b). This lesion is unique to male rats and therefore, not considered to be relevant to humans. 

There is no information available on the health effects of gasoline following dermal exposure in either 

humans or animals. Intermediate oral MRLs have not been developed because quantitative 

information on target organs of gasoline other than male rat nephropathy has not been reported for 

intermediate inhalation and oral exposure. In addition, gasoline contains many components that can 

vary significantly among the many compositions of gasoline. The toxicity of gasoline would depend 

on the specific composition. More quantitative information from animal studies on the effects of 

intermediate-duration inhalation and oral exposure to gasoline would be useful to identify target organs 

other than the kidney in male rats, to verify the ultrastructural effects observed in the lungs of rats, and 

to establish threshold levels for any effects that may be seen following intermediate-duration exposure. 

Chronic-Duration Exposure and Cancer. Chronic inhalation exposure to gasoline (i.e., in those 

individuals who habitually sniff gasoline for its euphoric/hallucinogenic properties) is associated with 

neurological effects, such as cerebellar effects including postural tremor, ataxia, abnormal gait, affected 

speech, fatigue, headaches, memory loss, and sleep problems (Carroll and Abel 1973; Coulehan et al. 

1983; Goldings and Stewart 1982; Kaelan et al. 1986; Kullman and Hill 1990; Moss and Cooper 1986; 

Pandya et al. 1975; Rischbieth et al. 1987; Young et al. 1977). Behavioral and intellectual changes 

(effects on visual memory and perception, psychomotor disturbances, or changes in visuomotor 

learning ability) have been observed in individuals chronically exposed to gasoline vapors (Carroll and 

Abel 1973; Kumar et al. 1988; Robinson 1978). However, based on pathological examinations, 

chronic inhalation of gasoline vapors has not been shown to induce adverse neurological effects in 

animals (MacFarland et al. 1984). Chronic inhalation of gasoline vapors has been shown to be mildly 

irritating to the lungs of female rats, but this effect was not observed in mice in the same study and 

has not been reported in humans (MacFarland et al. 1984). Several human case studies have reported 

the occurrence of various hematological effects in individuals with known long-term exposure to 

gasoline vapors (Boeckx et al. 1977; Chessare and Wodarcyk 1988; Niazi et al. 1989; Young et al. 
GASOLINE 100 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

1977). In most of these cases, the hematological effects reported were most likely due to a constituent 

of gasoline (i.e., lead, benzene). α2u-Globulin-mediated nephrotoxicity has been observed in male rats 

inhaling gasoline vapors (MacFarland et al. 1984; Short et al. 1989a, 1989b). Again, because this 

syndrome is unique to male rats, it is not considered to be relevant to humans. No information is 

available on the effects of chronic oral or dermal exposure to gasoline in either humans or animals. 

No chronic oral MRLs have been developed because quantitative exposure data are not available for 

end point of chronic gasoline toxicity other than α2u,-globulin-mediated nephrotoxicity and because of 

the variability in the composition of gasoline. More quantitative information on the levels of exposure 

that elicit various neurological effects in humans and animals would be helpful, as would information 

on what the thresholds are for these effects following both inhalation and oral exposure. Information 

regarding the thresholds for adverse effects are important since certain populations might be exposed 

to gasoline for chronic durations. 

An exposure-related increased incidence of renal tubular tumors was observed in male rats that were 

exposed to unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years (MacFarland et al. 1984). The renal tubular tumors 

observed in the male rats are believed to have been the result of a process involving the accumulation 

of α2u-globulin. The relevance of α2u-globulin-mediated male rat nephropathy and carcinogenicity to 

humans has been questioned (EPA 1991). An exposure-related increase in the incidence of 

hepatocellular tumors was observed in female mice exposed to unleaded gasoline vapors for 2 years 

(MacFarland et al. 1984). Some of these tumors metastasized to the lungs. The MacFarland et al. 

(1984) study is limited with respect to its relevance to human health risk because the animals were 

exposed to wholly vaporized gasoline, which has the same composition as liquid gasoline and is not 

the same as the gasoline vapors that humans would be exposed to under ambient conditions. Gasoline 

emissions normally found in the environment contain lower concentrations of those hydrocarbons that 

have lower vapor pressures (i.e., the branched-chain hydrocarbons, such as 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, that 

have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity) than is found in liquid gasoline. Thus, the studies in 

animals using wholly vaporized gasoline may overestimate the carcinogenic risk in humans. No 

information is available in the literature on the carcinogenicity of gasoline in animals following 

chronic oral exposure. Additional inhalation bioassays using gasoline vapors of a composition similar 

to that which is normally found in the ambient environment and also bioassays employing the oral 
GASOLINE 101 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

route of exposure would be helpful to more fully assess the potential carcinogenic risk of gasoline for 

humans exposed via inhalation or ingestion of contaminated groundwater. 

Genotoxicity. Gasoline as a mixture does not appear to be strongly genotoxic to either humans or 

animals (see Tables 2-4 and 2-5). Although an increased incidence of micronuclei was observed in the 

B-lymphocytes of workers occupationally exposed to gasoline, it is probable that the lower 

concentration of benzene in American fuel would reduce this potential hazard (Högstedt et al. 1991). 

However, cytogenetic studies, specifically in human B-lymphocytes, are needed to determine the 

validity of this assumption. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that gasoline is not mutagenic in 

bacteria or mammalian cells in cultures (Conaway et al. 1984; Dooley et al. 1984; Richardson et al. 

1986). The relevance of the positive findings with Drosophila melunogaster (Nylander et al. 1978), 

which appears to be associated with the 1,2-dichloroethane component, cannot be determined without 

further information on the concentration of 1,2-dichloroethane in American fuel. Well-conducted in 

viva rodent cytogenetic studies showed that gasoline is not clastogenic in somatic cells (Conaway et al. 

1984; Dooley et al. 1988); no conclusions can be reached for germinal cells at this time (Litton 

Bionetics 1980). The findings from in vivo and in vitro UDS assays with mouse, rat, and human cells 

produced conflicting results for genotoxicity (API 1988; Butterworth et al. 1989; Lout-y et al. 1986, 

1987). The only consistent finding from the in vivo rodent assays was the elevation of SDS in male 

rat kidney cells (Loury et al. 1987) and male mouse and rat liver cells (Loury et al. 1986,. 1987). 

Increases in SDS in female rat or mouse liver and/or kidney cells were either modest or negligible. 

There was, however, no correlation between SDS activity and tumor initiation in rats and mice of both 

sexes chronically exposed to unleaded gasoline. Overall, the findings from the in vivo UDS assays 

tend to suggest a possible nephrotoxic and/or hepatotoxic role for unleaded gasoline rather than an 

ability to initiate tumorigenesis (Loury et al. 1986, 1987). Therefore, it is doubtful that the 

performance of additional UDS/SDS studies would provide additional meaningful information. 

Reproductive Toxicity. No information is available on the reproductive effects of gasoline in 

humans following inhalation, oral, or dermal. Only one study (a dominant lethal study that 

investigated toxic effects on sperm cells) was found on the reproductive effects of gasoline in animals, 

and the results were negative (Litton Bionetics 1980). In addition, no adverse effects on the 
GASOLINE 102 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

reproductive organs were reported in chronic-duration inhalation studies in rats or mice (MacFarland et 

al. 1984). No reproductive organ toxicity data are available in the literature following oral exposure to 

gasoline. Pathological examination of the reproductive organs in 90-day oral studies would be useful 

to establish whether gasoline has the potential to induce adverse reproductive effects by this route of 

exposure, since chronic-duration inhalation studies failed to demonstrate any such effects. 

Developmental Toxicity. Anecdotal data are available to suggest an association between chronic 

exposure of pregnant women to leaded gasoline vapor and congenital defects of the central nervous 

system in children (Hunter et al. 1979). However, these data are inadequate to assess the risk of 

developmental toxicity following exposure to gasoline in humans because of the small sample size, 

possibility of concomitant exposure to alcohol, genetic background, lack of quantification of exposure 

levels, and presence of lead which may have contributed to the developmental defects in the children. 

No developmental effects were observed in pregnant rats exposed to gasoline vapors at concentrations 

as high as 1,600 ppm (Litton Bionetics 1978). No information is available on the developmental 

toxicity of gasoline following oral or dermal exposure. Additional information on the developmental 

toxicity of gasoline in rats following maternal inhalation exposure would be useful to confirm the 

negative results obtained in the Litton Bionetics (1978) study. 

Immunotoxicity. No information is available in the current literature on the immunological effects 

of gasoline following inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure in humans, or following oral exposure in 

animals. No apparent immunological effects (as measured by IgG deposits in the kidney and lungs) 

were noted in rats and monkeys exposed to gasoline by inhalation for 90 days (Kuna and Ulrich 

1984), and no other effects were noted on lymphoid tissue or blood components in animals exposed to 

gasoline vapors for intermediate or chronic durations (Kuna and Ulrich 1984; MacFarland et al. 1984). 

Studies conducted.in rats to investigate the possible contribution of gasoline to the manifestation of 

pulmonary hemorrhage in Goodpasture’s syndrome yielded mixed results (O’Regan and Turgeon 1986; 

Yamamoto and Wilson 1987). The discrepancy in results between these two studies may be due to 

differences in route of administration and dose. Since the relationship between gasoline exposure and 
GASOLINE 103 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Goodpasture’s syndrome is unclear and hence the possible involvement of the immune system 

uncertain, additional information would be useful in resolving the issue. 

Neurotoxicity. The central nervous system appears to be a target of gasoline toxicity following 

acute-duration exposures in both humans and animals. In humans, acute inhalation exposure to 

gasoline is characterized by a spectrum of effects that progress in severity with increasing dose and 

duration and can include eye irritation, dizziness, headaches, giddiness, euphoria, vertigo, blurred 

vision, nausea, numbness, drowsiness, anesthesia, and coma (Poklis and Burkett 1977). Children 

admitted to the hospital as a result of gasoline ingestion exhibited central nervous system 

complications such as convulsions, coma, and lethargy (Beamon et al. 1976). Chronic intermittent 

exposure to high levels of gasoline (i.e., in those individuals who habitually sniff gasoline for its 

euphoric/hallucinogenic properties) is associated with neurological effects, such as cerebellar effects 

including postural tremor, ataxia, abnormal gait; affected speech; fatigue; headaches; memory loss; and 

sleep problems (Carroll and Abel 1973; Coulehan et al. 1983; Goldings and Stewart 1982; Kaelan et 

al. 1986; Kullman and Hill 1990; Moss and Cooper 1986; Pandya et al. 1975; Rischbieth et al. 1987; 

Young et al. 1977). Behavioral and intellectual changes (effects on visual memory and perception, 

psychomotor disturbances, or changes in visuomotor learning ability) have been observed in 

individuals chronically exposed to gasoline vapors (Carroll and Abel 1973; Kumar et al. 1988; 

Robinson 1978). Animals acutely exposed by inhalation to high levels of gasoline also exhibit 

neurotoxic effects, including restlessness, equilibrium disturbances, convulsions, and narcosis, but these 

effects may have been partially due to oxygen deprivation (Przybylowski 1971). However, chronic 

inhalation of gasoline vapors has not been shown to induce adverse neurological effects in animals as 

indicated by pathological examinations (MacFarland et al. 1984). More quantitative information on 

the levels of exposure that elicit various neurological effects, including changes in learning and 

behavior, as well as additional studies that examine sensitive neuropathological end points via 

inhalation and oral routes would be useful. 
GASOLINE 104 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Epidemiological and Human Dosimetry Studies. A number of epidemiological studies have 

been conducted on workers occupationally exposed to petroleum products and hydrocarbons (e.g., 

Kadamani et al. 1989; McLaughlin et al. 1985; Partanen et al. 1991; Poole et al. 1993; Schnatter et al. 

1993; Schwartz 1987; Siemiatycki et al. 1987; Wong et al. 1993). These studies all have several 

inherent limitations that preclude their use as evidence for an association between gasoline exposure 

and cancer in humans. These limitations include lack of information on levels of exposure to gasoline 

hydrocarbons; concurrent exposure to other potentially carcinogenic substances (i.e., service station 

attendants are also exposed to used motor oils, diesel fuel, and solvents as well as automobile and 

truck engine exhausts); no adjustment for potential confounding factors (e.g., smoking); and no latency 

analyses. EPA (1987a) reviewed 55 relevant studies of unleaded gasoline exposed populations and 

concluded that the evidence for drawing causal inferences between unleaded gasoline and cancer was 

inadequate. Since occupational exposure to gasoline invariably occurs in workers who are also 

exposed to a number of other toxic and potentially carcinogenic substances, additional epidemiological 

studies in occupationally exposed populations that identify these variables would be difficult to 

conduct and are thus not likely to yield any more useful data with respect to adverse health effects 

specific to gasoline. Exposure to low levels of gasoline is extremely common in the general 

population, and it would be difficult to conduct meaningful epidemiological studies in any subset of 

the population. If populations exposed primarily to automotive gasoline can be identified, monitoring 

gasoline exposure and gathering information regarding neurological, developmental, and cancer effects 

would be useful for establishing cause/effect relationships. 

Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect. Increased blood and urine lead levels, urinary thioether, 

urinary phenol, and blood benzene, toluene, pentane, and hexane levels can all be used as biomarkers 

of exposure to short-term exposure to gasoline (Brugnone et al. 1986; Goldings and Stewart 1982; 

Kimura et al. 1988; Matsubara et al. 1988; Pandya et al. 1975; Robinson 1978; Stock and Priestly 

1986). However, none of these biomarkers are specific for gasoline, and there do not appear to be any 

biomarkers of effect that would be useful for monitoring either intermediate or long-term exposure to 

gasoline. Development of additional, more sensitive biomarkers that are specific for gasoline exposure 

would be useful in monitoring populations at risk. 
GASOLINE 105 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

Potential biomarkers of effect for intermediate and long-term gasoline exposure include slowed motor 

nerve conduction velocity and indices of cerebellar dysfunction (Carroll and Abel 1973; Coulehan et 

al. 1983; Gallassi et al. 1980; Goldings and Stewart 1982; Hall et al. 1986; Hansen and Sharp 1978; 

Kaelen et al. 1986; Moss and Cooper 1986; Rischbieth et al. 1987; Robinson 1978; Seshia et al. 1978; 

Young et al. 1977). However, these effects are not specific for gasoline exposure. Biomarkers of 

effect for short-term exposure to gasoline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, 

and anxiety. These are also nonspecific for gasoline. Development of additional, more sensitive 

biomarkers that are specific for gasoline effects would be useful in monitoring populations at high risk. 

However, there are no adverse health effects known at this time that are specific for gasoline. 

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion. There are no quantitative data available 

on the rates and extent of absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of gasoline in humans or 

animals following inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure. Although data are available on these 

parameters for many of the individual components of gasoline (i.e., benzene, toluene, xylene) that may 

be used to predict the toxicokinetics of gasoline, it is possible that interactions between these 

components may influence the toxicokinetics of the mixture as a whole. Quantitative data on the 

toxicokinetics of gasoline following inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure would be useful to predict 

the behavior of this mixture in the body. 

Comparative Toxicokinetics. There is relatively little quantitative information on the 

toxicokinetics of gasoline in any species, including humans. However, the toxicity data available on 

gasoline indicate that, with the exception of α2u -globulin-mediated nephrotoxicity in male rats, the 

target organs/systems are similar in humans and animals (Beamon et al. 19761; Poklis and Burkett 

1977; Przybylowski 1971). 

Methods for Reducing Toxic Effects. All of the treatment modalities currently available for use 

in cases of gasoline ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact are supportive in nature and/or involve 

hastening the elimination of gasoline from the body. The mechanisms of gasoline toxicity are not 

known, so there are currently no methods geared towards mitigating the effects of gasoline by 
GASOLINE 106 

2. HEALTH EFFECTS 

interfering with its mechanism of action. Development of further methods to mitigate the effects of 

gasoline would rely on characterizing its mechanism of action. 

2.9.3 On-going Studies 

W.L. Backes at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, 

North Carolina, is studying the toxicological significance of the metabolism in rats and rabbits of 

alkylbenzenes (including toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzene, and n-propylbenzene), which are major 

constituents of gasoline. Specifically, the identification of changes in the metabolic fate of the 

alkylbenzenes due to their prior administration, the effects of age, sex, and strain differences, the 

effects of exposure time and exposure to hydrocarbon mixtures, and the effect of hydrocarbon 

induction of cytochrome P-450 on the association of the alkylbenzenes with the enzyme will be 

studied. The objective of these studies is to provide information that will aid in the identification of 

conditions under which individuals might be susceptible to alkylbenzene-induced toxicity. 

R.W. Wood at the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse in Rockville, 

Maryland, is studying drug self-administration by inhalation of several compounds including 

alkylbenzenes in the primate. In conjunction with models of learned and unlearned behavior, self 

administration models will be developed that will provide a method to assess abuse potential, assist in 

setting workplace exposure limit values to prevent substance abuse and performance impairment, 

determine whether inhalants maintain “drug-seeking” behavior as strongly as other abused drugs, 

measure the severity of dependence, withdrawal, and toxicity syndromes, assess irritancy and its 

consequences, and characterize direct behavioral effects of solvents. 
GASOLINE 107 

3. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION 

3.1 CHEMICAL IDENTITY 

Gasoline is a refined product of petroleum consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons, additives, and 

blending agents. The composition of gasolines varies widely, depending on the crude oils used, the 

refinery processes available, the overall balance of product demand, and the product specifications. 

The typical composition of gasoline hydrocarbons (% volume) is as follows: 4-8% alkanes; 2-5% 

alkenes; 25-40% isoalkanes; 3-7% cycloalkanes; l-4% cycloalkenes; and 20-50% total aromatics 

(0.5-2.5% benzene) (IARC 1989). Additives and blending agents are added to the hydrocarbon 

mixture to improve the performance and stability of gasoline (IARC 1989; Lane 1980). These 

compounds include anti-knock agents, anti-oxidants, metal deactivators, lead scavengers, anti-rust 

agents, anti-icing agents, upper-cylinder lubricants, detergents, and dyes (IARC 1989; Lane 1980). At 

the end of the production process, finished gasoline typically contains more than 150 separate 

compounds although as many as 1,000 compounds have been identified in some blends (Domask 

1984; Mehlman 1990). Information regarding the chemical identity of gasoline is located in 

Table 3-l. 

3.2 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 

Information regarding the physical and chemical properties for the gasoline mixture is located in 

Table 3-2. In cases where data are not available for gasoline, ranges are given to indicate the different 

values for the individual components. 





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4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL 

4.1 PRODUCTION 

Originally, “straight-run” gasoline was produced by simple distillation of crude oil without the use of 

chemical conversion processes (Lane 1980; Sax and Lewis 1987). Shortly after 1900, motor vehicles 

began to appear in growing numbers, and gasoline began to have a marketable value as a refinery 

product. Around 1912, distillation of crude oil alone could not satisfy the rapidly growing demand for 

gasoline. At this time, gasoline-range hydrocarbons were recovered from “wet” natural gas. However, 

only a limited amount of natural gasoline could be included in finished gasoline because of its high 

volatility and its relatively low anti-knock quality (Lane 1980). Since then, petroleum refineries have 

developed several processes to contribute to the production of gasoline. 

In general, gasolines are blended from several petroleum refinery process streams that are derived by 

the following methods: direct distillation of crude oil, catalytic and thermal cracking, hydrocracking, 

catalytic reforming, alkylation, and polymerization. Modern petroleum refining begins with the 

distillation of crude oil into the following fractions: light naphtha (used as a component of finished 

gasoline without additional refining), heavy naphtha (catalytically reformed to a higher-octane blending 

stock), kerosene and light gas-oil (used in the production of kerosene, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and furnace 

oils), heavy gas-oil (used in heavy diesel fuel, industrial fuel oil, and bunker oil), and reduced crude. 

The heavy gas-oil and other heavy oils recovered from the reduced crude can be cracked into gasolines 

(Lane 1980). The use of cracking to produce gasoline began in 1913. Cracking breaks down higher-boiling 

hydrocarbons into lower-boiling ones. The two general types of cracking used are catalytic 

and thermal. Catalysts may consist of naturally occurring clays or synthetic compounds. Catalytic 

cracking produces blending components for high-octane gasoline. Therefore, in addition to serving as 

a gasoline-production process, catalytic cracking also serves to improve octane (Hood 1973; Lane 

1980). Hydrocracking, which consists of cracking in the presence of added hydrogen, permits wide 

variations in yields of gasoline and furnace oils to meet seasonal demand changes and can effectively 

process hard-to-crack stocks. However, since hydrocracked stocks lack the high-octane olefins present 
GASOLINE 114 

4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL 

in catalytically cracked stocks, they must be reformed (Lane 1980). Reforming processes convert 

lowoctane gasoline-range hydrocarbons into higher-octane ones. Thermal reforming has been almost 

completely replaced by catalytic reforming. Most reforming catalysts are bimetallic catalysts 

consisting of platinum with another promoting metal, such as rhenium (Hood 1973; Lane 1980). 

Alkylation converts refinery gases into gasoline-range liquids of exceptionally high anti-knock quality. 

However, the process is costly and is not commonly used in gasoline production (Domask 1984; Lane 

1980). Polymerization combines two or more low molecular weight olefin gases into higher molecular 

weight olefin liquids suitable for gasoline blending or for use as chemical feed stocks. However, 

because olefinic liquids have low anti-knock quality and the reactants, olefin gases, are valuable 

chemical feeds, the polymerization process is no longer widely used to produce gasoline blend streams 

(Domask 1984; Lane 1980). 

After the various gasoline streams have been blended, foul-smelling, corrosive, sulfur compounds are 

removed by hydrogenation (Lane 1980). Additives and blending agents are added to improve the 

performance and stability of gasoline. These compounds include anti-knock agents, anti-oxidants, 

metal deactivators, lead scavengers, anti-rust agents, anti-icing agents, upper-cylinder lubricants, 

detergents, and dyes (IARC 1989; Lane 1980). At the end of the refining process, finished gasoline 

typically contains more than 150 separate compounds although as many as 1,000 compounds have 

been identified in some blends (Domask 1984; Mehlman 1990). At present, the only commercial 

source of gasoline is petroleum, but it has been produced from shale oil, Athabasca tar sands, and by 

hydrogenation or gasification of coal (Hood 1973; Sax and Lewis 1987). 

Gasoline is available in the United States in leaded and unleaded grades. In the past, organic lead 

compounds were widely used as anti-knock agents in gasoline; however, methyl-tertiary-butyl ether 

has almost completely replaced tetraethyllead as an anti-knock agent and is now widely used in the -. 

production of unleaded gasoline (Sax and Lewis 1987). Now, EPA regulations do not permit 

intentional addition of lead or phosphorous to unleaded gasoline and limits their maximum 

concentrations to 0.013 g lead/L and 0.0013 g phosphorus/l. Leaded gasoline is produced in much 

smaller quantities for use in engines not equipped with catalytic converters. According to EPA 

regulations, leaded gasoline can contain any lead additive at a concentration higher than 0.013 g lead/L 

but no more that 1.1 g lead/L. The two common grades of both leaded and unleaded gasoline, 
GASOLINE 115 

4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL 

premium and regular, differ in their anti-knock quality. Better anti-knock quality is indicated by a 

higher octane number (IARC 1989). Gasoline is marketed as several products and, within each 

product line, in various grades (IARC 1989). 

The U.S. production volume of motor gasoline has steadily increased between 1983 and 1989 from 

277.2 million gallons/day to 306.6 million gallons/day (DOE 1989a). During the month of January 

1989, U.S. production of unleaded gasoline was nearly six times as high as U.S. production of leaded 

gasoline (DOE 1989b). The states leading production of unleaded gasoline were Texas, California, 

and New Jersey and the states leading production of leaded gasoline were Texas, California, and 

Illinois (DOE 1989b). In 1989, the 10 U.S. companies leading gasoline sales were the following (in 

descending order of sales): Shell, Amoco, Exxon, Mobil, Chevron, Texaco, Unocal, BP America, Sun, 

and Phillips (API 1991). 

Since gasoline releases are not required to be reported under SARA Section 313, there are no data on 

gasoline in the Toxics Release Inventory (TR188 1990). 

4.2 IMPORT/EXPORT 

Between 1988 and 1989, net U.S. imports of gasoline declined by 14% to an average of 13.0 million 

gallons/day. By 1990, imports were up to an average of 14.3 million gallons/day (DOE 1990). 

Typically net U.S. imports of gasoline account for 4-5% of demand (DOE 1989a). During the month 

of January 1989, the primary countries exporting gasoline to the United States were (in order of 

decreasing volume) Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom 

(DOE 1989b). 

Between 1988 and 1989, U.S. exports of finished motor gasoline increased from 924,000 gallons/day 

to 1.6 million gallons/day. Exports reached the highest point ever in 1989 at 2.4 million gallons/day 

(DOE 1990). During the month of January 1989, the United States exported primarily to Guatemala, 

Japan, and Mexico (DOE 1989b). 
GASOLINE 116 

4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL 

4.3 USE 

Gasoline is used almost exclusively to fuel internal combustion engines (IARC 1989). Consumption 

of gasoline decreased slightly in 1982 and then again in 1989. In 1989, 306.6 million gallons of 

gasoline were consumed in the United States. During 1989, the use of unleaded gasoline continued to 

rise, accounting for 88.8% of the total gasoline demand in that year (DOE 1989a). 

4.4 DISPOSAL 

Most gasoline is burned in internal combustion engines. Limited data are available on the disposal of 

gasoline. A suggested method is to spray it into an incinerator (OHM/TADS 1991). 
GASOLINE 117 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

5.1 OVERVIEW 

Gasoline is a mixture of relatively volatile hydrocarbons, including alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, and 

aromatics. Individual hydrocarbon components differentially partition to environmental media on the 

basis of their physical/chemical properties. Gasoline is released to the atmosphere as hydrocarbon 

vapors from processing and use as a fuel, and to surface water, groundwater, and soil through spills 

and leaks in aboveground and underground storage tanks and pipelines. Gasoline has been identified 

in 23 of the 1,397 NPL hazardous waste sites that have been proposed for inclusion on the NPL 

(HAZDAT 1992). The frequency of these sites within the Unites States can be seen in Figure 5-l. 

The volatile hydrocarbon fraction of gasoline, which consists primarily of short-chain (C4-C5) alkanes 

and alkenes and some aromatics, partitions to the atmosphere where photochemical oxidation is the 

main removal process. Much of what is released to surface waters and surface soils is lost by 

volatilization to the atmosphere. Releases to subsurface soils may leach through the unsaturated zone 

and contaminate groundwater. Aromatics constitute most of the water soluble fraction of gasoline. 

Biodegradation of gasoline hydrocarbons by a diverse group of microorganisms is an important 

removal process in surface waters, soil, and groundwater. Bioconcentration and sorption of gasoline 

hydrocarbons to soils and sediments may be important only for higher molecular weight hydrocarbons 

that are resistant to biodegradation. 

Exposure of the general population to gasoline occurs primarily through inhalation of very small 

quantities of the volatile fraction of the mixture during automobile refueling. Another important 

source of exposure is ingestion, dermal, and inhalation exposure for certain populations through the 

use of gasoline-contaminated surface water or groundwater in domestic potable water applications. 

Inhalation also appears to be the main route of occupational exposure for individuals employed in the 

petroleum and automotive industries. Populations with potential exposures to gasoline hydrocarbons 

GASOLINE 119 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

include individuals living in the vicinity of gasoline service stations or tank farms or near leaking 

underground storage tanks. 

5.2 RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT 

5.2.1 Air 

Gasoline vapors are released to the air during refueling of gasoline-powered vehicles (Kearney and 

Dunham 1986; McDermott and Vos 1979; Shiller 1987), bulk transfer of gasoline at distribution 

terminals (Irving and Grumbles 1979; Kawai et al. 1991; Phillips and Jones 1978), leaks from storage 

containers and loading equipment (Dell’Acqua et al. 1976; Phillips and Jones 1978), and during 

removal and maintenance of underground storage tanks (Kramer 1989; Shamsky and Samimi 1987). 

Volatile hydrocarbons in gasoline spilled on soil or surface water will rapidly evaporate, contributing 

to air contamination (Kramer 1989; Phillips and Jones 1978; Van Gelder-Ottway 1976). 

Releases of small amounts of gasoline vapors have been shown to occur at service stations during 

refueling of vehicles. Most of the release comes from displacement of hydrocarbon vapors during 

filling of the vehicle or the underground storage tank. Some release will also occur from spills and 

line leaks. Gasoline vapor levels measured in the air (personal air samples) at a high-volume service 

station in Pennsylvania during 1 week in May ranged from 0.9 to 116.3 mg/m3. The highest levels 

generally were found within the immediate vicinity of the fuel nozzle during refueling operations and 

levels decreased with distance from the pump, indicating that considerable release occurs during 

vehicle refueling (Keamey and Dunham 1986). 

Releases of gasoline vapors during bulk transfer operations occur primarily via displacement of 

hydrocarbon vapors from the tanker by the liquid gasoline (Irving and Grumbles 1979; Phillips and 

Jones 1978). Other sources of release include leaks in fill lines and spills. The amount released 

during transfer operations will vary with the method used. Loading operations employing vapor 

recovery systems do not release as much vapor as those not utilizing them. Measurements taken at 

five plants located in the south, southwest, midwest, and west coast area during May and June showed 

lowest releases in top or bottom loading operations with vapor recovery systems (Phillips and Jones 
GASOLINE 120 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

1978). Samples taken during top-loading had levels of 25 ppm or less in 98% of the samples while 

levels of 110 ppm or less were found in 90% of the samples taken during bottom-loading. In contrast, 

loadings without vapor recovery systems were considerably higher. Ninety percent of the samples 

from both the top- and bottom-loaded samples with no vapor recovery had levels of 225 ppm or less. 

Measurements of benzene (used as an indicator of gasoline vapor release) taken at plants in the east, 

southeastern, and southwestern United States confirm that releases occur during bulk transfers (Irving 

and Grumbles 1979). Ninety-five percent of samples from top-loading facilities without vapor 

recovery systems had benzene levels below 8.5 ppm. At bottom-loading facilities without vapor 

recovery, 95% of the samples were below 3.5 ppm. At bottom-loading facilities with vapor recovery, 

95% were below 1.8 ppm. Release from underground storage tanks during removal and maintenance 

procedures has been documented by personal monitoring and area sampling (Kramer 1989; Shamsky 

and Samimi 1987). Measurements of total hydrocarbons in the vicinity of tank excavation and 

maintenance operations have ranged from 0.64 ppm upwind from the removal site to 860 ppm during 

inerting (addition of dry ice to the tank to remove hydrocarbon vapors and lower the oxygen content) 

(Shamsky and Samimi 1987). An area sample taken during transfer of gasoline from the storage tank 

to a tank truck contained 11 ppm of total hydrocarbons (Kramer 1989). Release of vapors occurs 

during all phases of the operation including transfer of gasoline from the storage tank, washing of the 

interior and removal of vapors, excavation, and examination and maintenance (Kramer 1989; Shamsky 

and Samimi 1987). Gasoline vapors will also be released from soil at the site contaminated by 

spillage of gasoline (Kramer 1989). Gasoline is not listed on the Toxics Release Inventory; however, 

several of the component hydrocarbons are listed. Refer to the ATSDR toxicological profiles for 

benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene (ATSDR 1989, 1990, 1991) for information on these 

individual hydrocarbon components of gasoline. 

5.2.2 Water 

Gasoline can migrate to groundwater from the soil surrounding leaking underground storage tanks and 

pipelines. By one estimate, as many as 75,000-100,000 tanks leak millions of gallons of gasoline to 

groundwater each year (Feliciano 1984; Tangley 1984). This estimate does not include leakage from 

abandoned tanks. One leak reported in a Michigan 1997-1979 survey resulted in the release of over 

60,000 gallons of gasoline to groundwater (Feliciano 1984). The state of Maine estimates that leaking 
GASOLINE 121 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

underground storage tanks are responsible for the release to groundwater of about 11 million gallons 

of gasoline yearly (Feliciano 1984). Gasoline in underground drainage water and sump water from a 

basement have been traced to leaking underground storage tanks at service stations (Dell’ Acqua et al. 

1976). Gasoline from an unidentified source was found floating on the water table in Hampden 

Township, Pennsylvania (McKee et al. 1972). A leak from a pipeline or underground storage tank 

contaminated groundwater in the north Los Angeles area of California with an estimated 

100,00-250,000 gallons of gasoline (McKee et al. 1972). Although the total amount of gasoline 

released by leaking underground tanks throughout California is unknown, it has been estimated that the 

majority of reported leaky tanks (11,000) contained gasoline (Hadley and Armstrong 1991). 

Release of gasoline to seawater may occur when barges or tankers carrying the chemical ground on 

reefs. Grounding of a barge in Block Island Sound, Rhode Island, resulted in release of 1,900 metric 

tons of gasoline into the water (Dimock et al. 1980). Based on the U.S. Coast Guard National 

Response Center database, an estimated 48,816 gallons of gasoline were accidentally discharged to 

New Jersey’s Newark Bay and associated major tributaries from 1982 to 1991 (Gunster et al. 1993). 

Gasoline is not listed in the Contract Laboratory Program Statistical Database (CLPSD) of chemicals 

found in groundwater or surface water at hazardous waste sites. 

5.2.3 Soil 

Release of gasoline to soil from leaking underground storage tanks and pipelines has been reported 

(Tangley 1984). Most releases from storage tanks and pipelines are reported as releases to 

groundwater because this is where evidence of a leak first appears. However, the release is actually to 

surrounding soil with a migration to groundwater due to gravity and water wash down. Most 

estimates of the amounts of the releases are based on levels found in groundwater and have been 

reported in Section 5.2.2. An estimated 75,000-100,000 leaking tanks release millions of gallons of 

gasoline per year to the surrounding soil (Feliciano 1984; Tangley 1984). This estimate does not 

include abandoned tanks that may be leaking. Excavation around a tank suspected of leaking showed 

that gasoline was seeping into the soil from the tank (Dell’ Acqua et al. 1976). Gasoline is also spilled 

on soil during the removal and maintenance of underground storage tanks (Kramer 1989). Soil in the 

business section of Rockaway Beach in Queens County, Long Island, was contaminated with gasoline 
GASOLINE 122 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

from an identified source (McKee et al. 1972). Gasoline leaking into a department store basement in 

Harlan, Kentucky, was traced to the city-owned service station (McKee et al. 1972). 

5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL FATE 

5.3.1 Transport and Partitioning 

Gasoline is a mixture of relatively volatile hydrocarbons, including normal and branched chain 

alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, and aromatics, that vary widely in their physical and chemical 

properties. Liquid gasoline generally contains alkanes, aromatics, and alkenes (IARC 1989). Gasoline 

is formulated to meet certain product performance specifications. Each batch of gasoline is likely to 

have a unique chemical composition as a result of the variable composition of the petroleum starting 

materials and the specific types of processing methods used in the formulation of different seasonal 

and performance grades of the product (Cline et al. 1991; CRCS 1985; Ghassemi et al. 1984). Upon 

release to the environment, gasoline is not transported as a mixture; rather, the various components of 

the mixture selectively partition to the atmosphere, soil, or water according to their individual 

physical/chemical properties. Therefore, gasoline itself is unlikely to be found in different 

environmental media. 

The volatile fractions of gasoline are released to the atmosphere during every phase of the product 

formulation, handling, and marketing chain, including purchase by the consumer during refueling of 

gasoline-powered vehicles. These fractions generally consist of short-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, 

alkenes, and aromatics (Air Force 1989; CRCS 1985; NESCAUM 1989). For example, more than 

75% of airborne gasoline vapors have been reported to consist of C,-C, and lighter hydrocarbons 

(McDermott and Killiany 1978). In the atmosphere, the components are subject to transport, dilution, -. c 

dispersion, and photochemical reaction (see Section 5.3.2.1). The more water soluble of these 

fractions (e.g., aromatics) may also be washed out of the atmosphere in precipitation and reenter 

surface waters and soils. This partitioning is particularly likely for the breakdown products of 

atmospheric oxidation, which are more water soluble than the parent hydrocarbons (Air Force 1981; 

FAO 1977; Svoma and Hauzim 1984). 
GASOLINE 123 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

Gasoline released to surface soils will differentially partition by volatilization, dissolution, or 

adsorption of individual constituents according to their physical/chemica1 properties. Gasoline exists in 

soil in four states: (1) as a free-moving liquid; (2) adsorbed to soil particulates; (3) dissolved in 

groundwater; and (4) as a vapor (NESCAUM 1989; Svoma and Hauzim 1984). Short-chain (C4-C8) 

alkanes and alkenes with high vapor pressures and low water solubilities will volatilize to the 

atmosphere. Results of field experiments indicate that the volatility of gasoline from contaminated 

soils can be enhanced by the addition of water to the soil (Donaldson et al. 1992). Evaporation may 

be limited by infiltration and vertical movement of the liquid product into the soil, the extent of which 

depends on soil porosity (Bossert and Bartha 1984). Releases of liquid gasoline to subsurface soils 

will also limit volatilization losses of the lower molecular weight alkanes, which may be transported to 

groundwater (Air Force 1989). Higher molecular weight alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics 

may sorb to some extent to soil particulates (Air Force 1981, 1989). Potential sorption is greatest for 

alkenes, followed by aromatics, cycloalkanes, and least for alkanes (Hathaway and Andrews 1990). 

Components of gasoline that are not volatilized or sorbed to soil particulates will migrate downward 

through the unsaturated zone by gravity or leaching to the water table (DOI 1984; Yaniga 1984). 

Liquid gasoline, as a result of its lower kinematic viscosity, is expected to move through the 

unsaturated zone of the soil at a velocity 2-3 times that of water (Bouchard et al. 1990). The amount 

of liquid product that reaches the water table is dependent upon the amount of product released and 

site-specific soil and hydrogeological conditions (Yaniga 1984). For example, if the amount of 

gasoline hydrocarbons is small relative to the distance to the groundwater through the unsaturated 

zone, the hydrocarbons will probably be retained in the soil pore spaces. However, if the amount 

released is large relative to the distance to the groundwater, soil pore space capacity may be exceeded 

and bulk fluid transport to the groundwater may occur (Bouchard et al. 1990). Hydrocarbons 

immobilized in the unsaturated zone may be solubilized by downward moving soil water or fluctuating 

elevations of groundwater, and this residual material may serve as a source of contamination through 

leaching of solubilized components for long periods of time (DOI 1984). Water-soluble components, 

which consist predominantly (87-95%) of aromatics (Coleman et al. 1984), will dissolve in 

groundwater, whereas insoluble components will float as a separate phase on top of the water table. 

Water-soluble compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, show a greater potential for transport 

in groundwater aquifer than insoluble forms (Uchrin and Katz 1991). Gasoline-contaminated 
GASOLINE 124 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

groundwater may serve as a source of surface water contamination in areas where groundwater 

discharges to surface waters (Air Force 1989). 

Liquid gasoline released to surface water spreads horizontally over the surface, presenting a large 

surface area from which the volatile components will rapidly partition to the atmosphere (Bossert and 

Bartha 1984; CRCS 1985). For example, following oil spills in marine environments, hydrocarbons of 

carbon chain lengths up to C13 have been found to be lost by volatilization within the first few days 

after the spill. Hydrocarbons of up to C20 volatilize after a few weeks (FAO 1977). Lateral spreading 

also increases dissolution of the water soluble components. Spills of gasoline in high winds and heavy 

seas may produce emulsions which limit evaporative losses (CRCS 1985). Components not lost to the 

atmosphere by evaporation probably remain near the surface where they may be degraded (see Section 

5.3.2.2). Higher molecular weight components (e.g., naphthalene and substituted naphthalenes) may 

partition to sediments (Air Force 1981). 

The bioaccumulation potentials of the major components of gasoline range from low to high. Some 

higher molecular weight components (e.g., naphthalene and substituted naphthalenes) may be taken up 

by fish and domestic animals and bioconcentrated if they persist in environmental media (Air Force 

1989). Alkenes have low log octanol/water partition coefficients (Kow) of about 1 and estimated 

bioconcentration factors (BCF) of about 10; aromatics have intermediate values (log Kow values of 2-3 

and BCF values of 20-200), while C5 and greater alkanes have fairly high values (log Kow values of 

about 3-4.5 and BCF values of 100-1,500) (NESCAUM 1989). 

5.3.2 Transformation and Degradation 

5.3.2.1 Air 

Gasoline hydrocarbons volatilized to the atmosphere quickly undergo photochemical oxidation. The 

hydrocarbons are oxidized by reaction with molecular oxygen (which attacks the ring structure of 

aromatics), ozone (which reacts rapidly with alkenes but slowly with aromatics), and hydroxyl and 

nitrate radicals (which initiate side-chain oxidation reactions) (Stephens 1973). Alkanes, isoalkanes, 

and cycloalkanes have half-lives on the order of l-10 days, whereas alkenes, cycloalkenes, and 
GASOLINE 125 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

substituted benzenes have half-lives of less than 1 day (EPA 1979a). Photochemical oxidation 

products include aldehydes, hydroxy compounds, nitro compounds, and peroxyacyl nitrates (Cupitt 

1980; EPA 1979a; Stephens 1973). 

5.3.2.2 Water 

Of the hydrocarbon components of gasoline, only xylenes, trisubstituted benzenes, and naphthalenes 

have been reported to undergo photolysis and photooxidation in aqueous solution. Alkanes, benzenes, 

and monosubstituted benzenes have been found to be resistant to photolytic breakdown in aqueous 

systems. The rate of reaction of trisubstituted benzenes and naphthalenes is competitive with that of 

volatilization from surface waters (Air Force 1981). 

Many of the hydrocarbon components of gasoline have been found to undergo biodegradation in 

surface waters and sediment (Atlas 1981; Walker et al. 1975b). Microorganisms in marine and 

estuarine environments, including bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, are capable of degrading 

petroleum and petroleum products, including gasoline. Microbial activity becomes important about 

1 week after the spill or release, after initial hydrocarbon losses have occurred through volatilization 

and photooxidation. Alkanes are attacked more rapidly and by a greater number of species than 

aromatics or naphthenics, with removal in the time frame of days-to-weeks; n-alkanes are more easily 

degraded than branched chain alkanes (FAO 1977). Degradation of gasoline hydrocarbons in surface 

waters is expected to be rapid under conditions favorable to microbial activity; however, it may be 

slow or limited under unfavorable conditions, such as low pH, low temperature, low oxygen levels, or 

high salinity, or where populations of degrading microbes are low (Air Force 1989). 

Organic pollutants have also been found to undergo biodegradation by microorganisms isolated from 

groundwater (Wilson and McNabb 1983). For example, a mixed population of 32 cultures of 

microbes isolated from groundwater contaminated with gasoline were able to degrade gasoline 

hydrocarbons. Nocardia cultures were found to metabolize most of the alkanes, whereas Pseudomonas 

cultures were responsible for degradation of most of the aromatics (Jamison et al. 1976). 
GASOLINE 126 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

Biodegradation of gasoline in groundwater can occur under denitrifying conditions (Carroquine et al. 

1992). 

5.3.2.3 Soil 

After volatilization, biodegradation and photooxidation are the most important removal mechanisms for 

gasoline hydrocarbons released to surface soils (Air Force 1989). Photooxidation in surface soils is 

less important than in surface water environments since infiltration of the liquid product into the soil 

will limit exposure to solar radiation (Bossert and Bartha 1984). 

Biodegradation of gasoline hydrocarbons in soil by a diverse group of microorganisms has been 

reported by numerous investigators (Atlas 1981; Bossert and Bartha 1984; Haines and Alexander 1974; 

Mann and Gresham 1990; Thomas et al. 1990). Bacteria and fungi appear to be the most important 

hydrocarbon-utilizing microbes in soils (Atlas 198 1). n-Alkanes, n-alkylaromatics, and aromatics of 

carbon chain length C10-C22 are the most readily degradable hydrocarbons. n-Alkanes, alkylaromatics, 

and aromatics above C22 are generally not available for metabolism by soil microbes because of their 

limited water solubility and solid physical state. Higher molecular weight hydrocarbons sorbed to soil 

particulates are also generally unavailable for metabolism by microorganisms. Hydrocarbons in the 

C5-C9 range are biodegradable only at low concentrations since at higher concentrations they exhibit 

membrane-solvent toxicity to soil microbes and are generally removed by volatilization. Hydrocarbons 

with condensed ring structures, such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and cycloalkanes are 

relatively resistant to biodegradation (Atlas 1981; Bossert and Bartha 1984). Isoalkanes and 1,3,5­

trimethylbenzene have also been reported to be resistant to biodegradation (Mann and Gresham 1990). 

Some of the intermediate products of metabolism (e.g., alcohols, aldehydes, and monocarboxylic acids) 

are more water soluble or strongly sorbed than the parent hydrocarbons (Atlas 1981; Bossert and 

Bartha 1984; Carlson 1981). The rate of biodegradation is highly dependent upon the amount of the 

hydrocarbon substrate and a number of site-specific environmental factors, including temperature, 

oxygen content, moisture content, nutrient content, salinity, and pH (Atlas 1981; Bossert and Bartha 

1984). Degradation of hydrocarbons by soil microbes appears to be almost exclusively an aerobic 
GASOLINE 127 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

process. The initial steps in microbial metabolism require oxygen; reference to biodegradation under 

anaerobic conditions is limited (Atlas 1981; Bossert and Bartha 1984; Corapcioglu and Hossain 1990). 

5.4 LEVELS MONITORED OR ESTIMATED IN THE ENVIRONMENT 

5.4.1 Air 

Several variables can influence the measured concentrations of gasoline vapor and component 

hydrocarbons in air. Among these are wind direction and velocity, distance from the source of the 

vapors, ambient temperature, duration of sampling time, the presence of vapor recovery equipment, 

and composition of the gasoline (McDermott and Vos 1979; Shiller 1987). 

Levels of gasoline vapor have been measured in air at service stations in several areas of the country. 

Area air samples taken in the vicinity of a high-volume service station in Pennsylvania during 1 week 

in May showed concentrations of gasoline vapor ranging from not detected (detection limit of 

0.4 mg/m3, assuming a desorption volume of 1 mL solvent) to 28 mg/m3 (Keamey and Dunham 1986). 

Air levels of gasoline vapor measured at seven different service stations in the United States (Houston, 

Texas; Manhattan Beach, California; New Britain, Connecticut; New Orleans, Louisiana; Plantation, 

Florida; Stickney, Illinois; and Walnut Creek, California) from March to June ranged from 1.81 to 

99.2 ppm (McDermott and Vos 1979). Corresponding concentrations of benzene ranged from <0.01 to 

1.21 ppm. 

Monitoring of the storage tank removal and maintenance operation indicated relatively high levels of 

gasoline vapor can be found near the site of the activities (Kramer 1989; Shamsky and Samimi 1987). 

Area sampling at the bottom of the excavation, directly above the excavation at ground level, upwind 

and downwind of the site, and at the site location during inerting (i.e., flushing with carbon dioxide) 

indicated the highest concentrations are found in the location of the site during the inerting process 

when no controlled venting of the vapors is performed. The total hydrocarbon level (a measure of 

gasoline vapor) at the site when no vents were used was 860 ppm. With the use of vents the total 

hydrocarbons measured 21.8 ppm. Total hydrocarbons were also high at the bottom of the excavation 

site, measuring 395 ppm compared to 16.7 ppm just above the site at ground level. As expected, 
GASOLINE 128 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

mean upwind concentrations were lower than downwind concentrations (0.64 and 3.86 ppm total 

hydrocarbons, respectively) and were considerably lower than concentrations at the excavation site. 

Levels of 0.08 ppm benzene and 4 ppm total hydrocarbons were measured in air during on-site 

monitoring of an underground storage tank excavation (Kramer 1989). Levels of 1.0 ppm benzene and 

11 ppm total hydrocarbons were measured during the transfer of gasoline from a tank excavated for 

cleaning to a tanker truck (Kramer 1989). During purging of the tank, the average atmospheric 

concentration of benzene near the tank was 6.7 ppm (Kramer 1989). Although venting was not used 

in this excavation procedure, the measured levels were considerably below previous measurements 

(Shamsky and Samimi 1987). The reason for the discrepancy in results could not be determined. 

Gasoline is not listed in the CLPSD of chemicals found in soil at NPL sites only (CLPSD 1989). 

5.4.2 Water 

One day following the accidental release of 1,900 metric tons of gasoline into the water at Block 

Island Sound, Rhode Island, total levels of C8-C12 hydrocarbons at three sites close to the spill ranged 

from 5 to 20 μg/L at a depth of 3.5 meters in the water column (Dimock et al. 1980). These 

concentrations exceeded the background levels found at sites distant from the spill. Although gasoline 

is known to migrate to groundwater following its release from leaking underground storage tanks and 

pipelines (see Section 5.2.2), no information on levels in groundwater was located. 

5.4.3 Soil 

Although methods for the detection of gasoline hydrocarbons in soil exist (see Chapter 6), no specific 

data on levels in soil were located. Gasoline is known to be present in soil in areas where it has been 

spilled and in soil -surrounding leaking underground storage tanks or pipelines (Dell’ Acqua et al. 1976; 

Kramer 1989; McKee et al. 1972). Discriminant analysis, a multivariate statistical technique, has been 

applied to differentiate between gasoline contaminated soils resulting from leaking underground 

storage tanks and those of background origin (Saentz and Pingitore 1991). 
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5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

5.4.4 Other Environmental Media 

Data on the concentration of hydrocarbons from gasoline contamination in media other than air, water, 

and soil are very limited. This is due, at least in part, to the difficulty in tracing the source of 

hydrocarbon contamination in other environmental media such as food, fish and shellfish, and 

terrestrial plants and animals. Samples of bivalve mollusks collected 2 days following an accidental 

spill of gasoline into Block Island Sound, Rhode Island, contained low levels of gasoline compounds 

(Dimock et al. 1980). However, there were no adequate control samples by which to confirm 

background levels of these compounds in the shellfish, so it is not certain that the contamination 

resulted from the spill. 

5.5 GENERAL POPULATION AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE 

The general population may be exposed to gasoline or gasoline vapors during automobile refueling 

procedures, refueling of gasoline-powered equipment (e.g., lawn mowers), and through the use of 

gasoline-contaminated surface water or groundwater. However, no specific data on exposure of the 

general population were located. 

Possible occupational exposure to gasoline and gasoline vapors exists for workers all along the chain 

of gasoline production to consumer use. Workers involved in onloading and offloading gasoline at 

docks and bulk storage terminals; loading, driving, and delivering fuel to storage terminals and gas 

stations; and refueling and automotive repair operations at service stations have a large potential for 

exposure (Runion 1988). Workers involved in the cleanup and maintenance of underground storage 

tanks and service station pump equipment are also exposed to higher-than-background levels of 

gasoline and gasoline vapor (Runion 1988). 

Several monitoring surveys of service station employees have been conducted. Personal air sample 

measurements of employees at a high-volume service station in Pennsylvania for 1 week in May 

showed geometric mean total gasoline vapor time-weighted average (TWA) exposures of employees 

ranged from 2.9 to 5.2 mg/m3 (Keamey and Dunham 1986). Geometric mean personal short-term 

exposures to gasoline vapor ranged from 12.7 to 24.7 mg/m3

. Actual exposure concentrations during 
GASOLINE 130 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

refueling ranged from not detected (detection limit of 10 mg/L extraction solvent) to 116.3 mg/m3. 

Component analysis of personal long-term samples showed that 2-methyl butane and pentane were the 

most prevalent hydrocarbons and were detected in all 18 samples at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 

1.7 ppm. Another survey of service station employees conducted from March to June at seven service 

stations located throughout the United States (Houston, Texas, Manhattan Beach, California, New 

Britain, Connecticut, New Orleans, Louisiana, Plantation, Florida, Stickney, Illinois, and Walnut Creek, 

California) showed that mean TWA attendant exposures ranged from 3.63 to 22.3 ppm for gasoline 

vapor and 0.02-0.24 ppm for benzene (McDermott and Vos 1979). The high values were found at the 

New Britain, Connecticut service station and appeared to be due to hydrocarbon exposure from a 

source other than gasoline in one sample. Excluding the Connecticut results, the range of 

3.63-9.26 ppm gasoline vapor was a more representative estimate of service station employee 

exposure. Monitoring of service station personnel responsible for refueling operations at two service 

stations located near a major expressway, revealed a geometric mean 8-hour TWA of 

4.0 mg/m3 (range of 1.1-130.3 mg/m3) (Halder et al. 1986a). Closer monitoring of these workers 

showed no detectable hydrocarbon exposure levels for refueling operations totaling 22 minutes or less 

(limit of detection = 30 μg/sample). However, for total refueling times of 27 and 354 minutes, TWA 

8-hour total hydrocarbon levels ranged from 0.7 to 1.4 and from 2.1 to 4.8 mg/m3

, respectively. Most 

of these were lighter weight (5 or less carbon atoms) hydrocarbons. 

Analysis of air samples for benzene at a service station and alveolar air levels of benzene in the 

attendants showed that benzene levels in the breath samples taken during refueling operations were 

considerably higher than during times when refueling was not occurring (Brugnone et al. 1986). 

Alveolar concentrations ranged from 210 to 458 ng/L during refueling and from 52 to 191 ng/L when 

refueling was not being done. Corresponding air levels taken in the breathing zone ranged from 63 to 

611 ng/L and from 20 to 77 ng/L during periods of refueling and no refueling, respectively. The 

higher concentrations of benzene in alveolar air in most samples may indicate that the eliminated 

benzene was previously absorbed and stored. 

Biological monitoring of service station workers in India revealed substantially higher levels of urinary 

phenol when these workers were compared to persons with no known exposure to either gasoline or 

benzene (Pandya et al. 1975; Rao et al. 1977). Excretion of phenol in the urine can be evidence of 
GASOLINE 131 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

benzene exposure. Since benzene is a component of gasoline and gasoline vapor, presence of excess 

phenol in the urine of these workers may be associated with their exposure to gasoline vapor. Of the 

51 service station workers monitored, 88% had urinary phenol levels of >20 mg/L and 47% had levels 

>40 mg/L. Average urinary phenol excretion in unexposed subjects was reported to be 8.6 mg/L 

(range of 3.3-15 mg/L). Since no measurements of gasoline or benzene in the breathing zones of 

these subjects were taken, the excess phenol cannot be unequivocally attributed to gasoline exposure. 

Monitoring surveys of workers occupationally exposed to gasoline indicate that exposure results in 

higher blood and urinary concentrations of lead in these workers. A group of 26 workmen employed 

in a petrol company in Poland were assessed for blood and urinary levels of lead associated with their 

exposure to gasoline (Turlakiewicz and Chmielnicka 1985). The mean blood lead levels of these 

workers was 25.6 μg/dL and the mean urinary lead concentration was 7.4 μg/dL. Corresponding levels 

in the control group were 10.6 and 2.5 μg /dL for blood and urinary levels, respectively. Mean 8-hour 

TWA concentrations of lead in the workplace air ranged from 0.015 to 0.205 mg/m3

 depending on the 

specific job. A similar survey of 47 service station workers in Tasmania also indicated that blood lead 

levels were higher in subjects occupationally exposed to gasoline (Moore et al. 1976). The mean 

blood lead level of the service station workers was 32.9 μg/dL compared to a mean level of 

14.3 μg/dL in the control population. 

A survey of workers employed at five bulk-transfer facilities, two marine loading facilities, and two 

service stations located near a major expressway was conducted (Halder et al. 1986a). Personal 

monitoring of breathing zone levels of hydrocarbons with 6 or more carbon atoms showed 8-hour 

TWA geometric mean exposure concentrations of 5.7 mg/m3 (range of 0.8-120.8 mg/m3

) for terminal 

workers and 4.0 mg/m3

 (range of 1.1-130.3 mg/m3) for service station workers. Geometric mean 

8-hour TWA exposures to hydrocarbons with four carbons or more were 31.2 mg/m3

 (range of. 

1.3-237.6 mg/m3) and 89.4 mg/m3 (range of 9.1-1,580.4 mg/m3) for terminal workers and marine 

loading facility workers, respectively. The bulk of the hydrocarbon exposure at bulk terminals and 

marine loading facilities (61.3-67.4%) was to lighter hydrocarbons containing four or five carbon 

atoms, and of these, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, and isopentane were responsible for most of the 
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5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

exposure. Measured geometric mean TWA levels of benzene ranged from 0.5-0.8 mg/m3 for the three 

worker categories. 

Workers involved in the removal and maintenance of underground storage tanks are exposed to both 

gasoline and gasoline vapor. Monitoring of workers involved in these operations showed that 

exposure occurred during tank draining, tank removal, cutting and cleaning, and tank testing (Kramer 

1989; Shamsky and Samimi 1987). Levels of exposure during these operations were measured for 

personnel involved in the procedures. Highest exposure occurred during tank removal, cutting and 

cleaning, with levels of total hydrocarbons in the breathing zone ranging from 9 ppm over a 6-hour 

exposure period for an observer to 459 ppm for a 30 minute exposure period for a laborer (Kramer 

1989). Levels of benzene ranging from 0.19 ppm over 5.5 hours for an observer to 4.57 ppm over 

30 minutes for a laborer were also observed. Exposures to gasoline vapors were lower for workers 

involved in gasoline transfer and tank-testing operations. Levels in these workers ranged from 4 to 

5 ppm total hydrocarbons in the breathing zone (for exposure periods of 30 minutes to 6 hours in 

personnel involved in gasoline transfer) to 7-12 ppm (for periods of 3.25 to 4.75 hours in the 

breathing zone of workers involved in tank testing). For all procedures, laborers generally had the 

highest exposure to gasoline vapor and observers were exposed to the lowest amounts. Exposure to 

gasoline was not quantified, but dermal exposure was stated to be common during the maintenance 

operations. Results from a similar study of tank maintenance personnel found mean breathing zone 

levels of total hydrocarbons of 2.3 ppm for 18-35 minutes exposure of observers and 106 ppm for 

15-110 minutes exposure of laborers. Mean benzene exposure levels were 0.1 and 6.8 ppm for 

observers and laborers, respectively. Potential exposures for personnel upwind and downwind of the 

excavation site, at the bottom of the site, directly above the site at ground level, and at the site during 

inerting with and without vents were also determined. Highest levels were measured during inerting 

without vents (mean total hydrocarbons = 860 ppm) and at the bottom of the excavation (mean total 

hydrocarbons = 395 ppm). Data on specific hydrocarbons in the gasoline vapor suggested that 

exposures exceeding the TLVs could occur for pentane, n-hexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, and total 

hydrocarbons if workers were exposed for 8-hour periods to concentrations found at the bottom of the 

excavation and during inerting of tanks without vents. However, these workers would not normally 

encounter 8-hour continuous exposure work days. 
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5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

Breathing zone samples collected at bulk loading terminals where driver/salesmen load their own 

trucks showed that highest exposure occurred during loading of tanker trucks when no vapor recovery 

system was used (Phillips and Jones 1978). Approximately 90% of the samples had levels of 

hydrocarbons of 225 ppm or less. Exposure was substantially reduced when a vapor recovery system 

was used, with 90% of the samples having levels of 110 ppm or less during a bottom-loading 

operation and 98% of samples having levels of 25 ppm or less during a top-loading operation. During 

unloading at service stations, 98% of the samples had levels hydrocarbons of 50 ppm or less. Results 

from another survey where benzene was used to monitor workers at a bulk transfer facility for 

exposure to gasoline vapor support the reduced exposure associated with vapor recovery systems 

(Irving and Grumbles 1979). Ninety-five percent of samples from top-loading facilities without vapor 

recovery systems had benzene levels below 8.5 ppm. At bottom-loading facilities without vapor 

recovery, 95% of the samples were below 3.5 ppm and at bottom-loading facilities with vapor 

recovery, 95% were below 1.8 ppm. These data also suggest reduced exposure levels are associated 

with bottom-loading of tankers. 

According to the National Occupational Exposure Survey conducted from 1981 to 1983 by NIOSH, 

70 employees (including 7 females) in seven plants producing petroleum and coal products were 

potentially exposed to natural gasoline or products containing natural gasoline (NOES 1991). Most of 

these (63 workers) were categorized as miscellaneous machine operators and the remainder were 

operators of separating, filtering, and clarifying machinery. These data are based only on actual 

observations of the use of gasoline or of products containing gasoline in 4,490 business establishments 

in the United States. In view of the information on exposure presented above, these data are believed 

to substantially underestimate the potential occupational exposure to gasoline. 

5.6 POPULATIONS WITH POTENTIALLY HIGH EXPOSURES 

Results from surveys of service station personnel strongly indicate that general population exposure to 

gasoline vapor can be expected at service stations. People who refuel their own vehicles are at risk of 

higher exposure than those who let attendants service their vehicles. These people are also at greater 

risk of contacting gasoline released from leaking pump lines and overfilled tanks. Populations living 

in the vicinity of a service station or bulk loading terminal are expected to have higher exposure to 
GASOLINE 134 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

volatile gasoline-related hydrocarbons than those far removed from these businesses. Higher exposure 

to both gasoline and its vapor is also expected during filling of tanks on machines that operate on 

gasoline such as gasoline-powered lawn mowers. 

Populations located near underground storage tanks or pipelines are at risk of exposure to high levels 

of gasoline-associated hydrocarbons through ingestion of contaminated drinking water. Additional 

inhalation and dermal exposure would come from other water uses such as washing dishes and 

showering. These populations may also be exposed to higher than background levels of gasoline 

vapor that may seep into basements. 

Workers employed in occupations in which gasoline is transferred between various storage containers, 

such as those employed at bulk transfer facilities or marine loading facilities, tanker truck drivers, and 

service station employees, are exposed daily to higher levels of gasoline and gasoline vapor. Workers 

employed in occupations responsible for location of leaks, remediation of spills and leaks, and removal 

and maintenance of underground storage tanks are also potentially exposed to high levels of gasoline 

and gasoline vapor. 

5.7 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE 

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with 

the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether 

adequate information on the health effects of gasoline is available. Where adequate information is not 

available, ATSDR, in conjunction with NTP, is required to assure the initiation of a program of 

research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing methods to determine 

such health effects) of gasoline. 

The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from 

ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that, if met, 

would reduce or eliminate the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be 

interpreted to mean that all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the 
GASOLINE 135 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

identified data needs will be evaluated and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda may 

be proposed. 

5.7.1 Identification of Data Needs 

Physical and Chemical Properties. The physical and chemical properties of gasoline and its 

primary component chemicals are well defined (Air Force 1989; ASTM 1989; OHM/TADS 1991; Sax 

and Lewis 1989) and can be used to estimate the fate of gasoline following release to the environment. 

Data needs associated with specific compounds that are components of the gasoline mixture (e.g., 

benzene, toluene, xylene, and other hydrocarbons and lead) are presented in the ATSDR toxicological 

profiles for these chemicals (ATSDR 1989, 1990, 1991). Therefore, no additional studies are needed 

at this time. 

Production, Import/Export, Use, and Release and Disposal. Production, import/export, use, 

and release of gasoline are thoroughly described in the literature (see Chapter 4). Gasoline is used 

almost exclusively to fuel internal combustion engines (IARC 1989). The data indicate that the 

potential for human exposure is considerable and is most likely to occur from contact with 

contaminated air and/or groundwater. Production of gasoline has steadily increased between 1983 and 

1989 from 277.2 million gallons/day to 306.6 million gallons/day (DOE 1989a). No data are available 

regarding predicted production volume of gasoline. Only limited information on one method of 

disposal (by spraying gasoline into an incinerator) was located (OHM/TADS 1991). No information 

regarding rules and regulations governing disposal of gasoline was located. More information on 

where and how gasoline is usually disposed of would aid in determining the potential risk of exposure 

to gasoline that has been improperly discarded. 

Environmental Fate. Gasoline partitions to the different environmental compartments according to 

the physical/chemical properties of its individual components. The most important fate process is 

volatilization, especially for the short-chain alkanes (Air Force 1989; NESCAUM 1989). These 

compounds are transformed photochemically in the atmosphere (Cupitt 1980; Hendry and Kenley 

1979; Stephens 1973). Migration to groundwater is also an important fate process for the soluble 
GASOLINE 136 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

aromatics (Bouchard et al. 1990; DOI 1984; Yaniga 1984). The higher molecular weight 

hydrocarbons may sorb to soil (Air Force 1989; Hathaway and Andrews 1990). Gasoline-related 

hydrocarbons released to surface waters and soil are broken down by photooxidation and microbial 

degradation (Air Force 1989; Atlas 1981; Bossert and Bartha 1984; Thomas et al. 1990; Walker et al. 

1975b). Biodegradation also occurs in groundwater (Wilson and McNabb 1983). The behavior of the 

gasoline mixture following release to the environment is well characterized. The fate of several of the 

most important component chemicals has also been studied (see ATSDR toxicological profiles for 

these chemicals [ATSDR 1989, 1990, 1991). Data needs for specific hydrocarbons making up the 

gasoline mixture have been discussed in the ATSDR toxicological profiles for these chemicals 

(ATSDR 1989, 1990, 1991). 

Bioavailability from Environmental Media. The various chemicals making up the gasoline 

mixture are known to be absorbed by inhalation, oral, and/or dermal routes. The extent of absorption 

by these routes will depend on the volatility, solubility, lipophilicity, and other properties of the 

specific components. Several of these component compounds have been discussed in detail in their 

individual ATSDR toxicological profiles (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, and lead), which should be 

consulted for further information (ATSDR 1989, 1990, 1991). More information linking exposure 

levels of gasoline and gasoline vapor with biological levels of component chemicals would be useful 

in determining which chemicals in the mixture are most likely to be absorbed and by which routes. 

This information would aid in determining daily human exposure levels and more accurately assessing 

the risk associated with gasoline exposure. 

Food Chain Bioaccumulation. Gasoline, as a mixture of hydrocarbons, does not bioaccumulate in 

the food chain per se. However, the individual components making up the mixture may bioaccumulate 

depending on their individual properties (Air Force 1989; NESCAUM 1989). In general, the alkenes 

(e.g., pentene, butene, hexene) will not tend to bioaccumulate, the aromatics have a moderate tendency 

to bioaccumulate, and the higher molecular weight alkanes will tend to bioaccumulate (Air Force 

1989). The need for further research on biomagnification of the components of gasoline has been 

presented in the individual ATSDR toxicological profiles on these chemicals (ATSDR 1989, 1990, 

1991). Research on the biomagnification of the gasoline mixture would not be useful since gasoline is 
GASOLINE 137 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

not available to the food chain as a mixture because it partitions into its different constituent 

components as soon as it enters the environment. Individual components of the mixture may be 

bioconcentrated. Bioconcentration studies should be conducted on the individual components that are 

persistent and for which this information is lacking. 

Exposure Levels in Environmental Media. There is a substantial amount of exposure data on air 

levels of gasoline vapors surrounding service stations and bulk loading terminals, and some data on air 

levels resulting from excavation and maintenance of underground storage tanks (ATSDR 1989, 1990, 

1991). Reliable monitoring data for the levels of gasoline in contaminated media at hazardous waste 

sites would be useful so that the information obtained on levels of gasoline in the environment can be 

used, in combination with the known biomarkers used to identify exposure to gasoline, to assess the 

potential risk of adverse health effects in populations living in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites. 

Exposure Levels in Humans. Measurements of exposure levels have been taken for workers 

employed at service stations, bulk transfer facilities, and marine loading docks and those involved in 

storage tank excavation and maintenance (Halder et al. 1986a; Kearney and Dunham 1986; Kramer 

1989; Shamsky and Samimi 1987). In addition, increased urinary excretion of phenol (20-40 mg/L) 

and lead (73.8 μg /L) and increased blood lead levels (256.3 μg /L) have been measured in workers 

occupationally exposed to gasoline (Moore et al. 1976; Rao et al. 1977; Turlakiewicz and Chmielnicka 

1985), and increased levels of benzene have been measured in the expired air of service station 

workers (Brugnone et al. 1986). These increased levels are believed to result from the increased levels 

of lead and benzene absorbed when gasoline vapors are inhaled. However, because these and other 

chemicals in gasoline are frequently found in the environment, it is difficult to associate the increased 

levels of these chemicals specifically with exposure to gasoline. Methods more specific for gasoline 

exposure would aid in determining which markers would be most useful in determining exposure 

levels in humans. This information is necessary for assessing the need to conduct health studies on 

these populations. 
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5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

Exposure Registries. Service station workers, workers at bulk loading terminals and marine 

loading docks, and workers responsible for excavation and maintenance of gasoline storage tanks are 

known to have increased exposure to gasoline and its vapors. However, no registry exists for exposure 

to gasoline. 

No exposure registries for gasoline were located. This substance is not currently one of the 

compounds for which a subregistry has been established in the National Exposure Registry. The 

substance will be considered in the future when chemical selection is made for subregisties to be 

established. The information that is amassed in the National Exposure Registry facilitates the 

epidemiological research needed to assess adverse health outcomes that may be related to the exposure 

to this substance. 

5.7.2 On-going Studies 

A laboratory study on the effect of soil heterogeneity on the movement of light nonaqueous phase 

liquids is being conducted at the Colorado State University. The study, which is funded by the 

National Science Foundation, will utilize a dual energy gamma attenuation system to examine the 

movement of water, air, and light hydrocarbons through soils placed in a laboratory flume. Results of 

this research are expected to be useful for testing and validating models that predict the behavior of 

light hydrocarbons leaked from underground storage tanks to the water table. 

Field and laboratory investigations being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey of the Department 

of Interior are examining the anaerobic biodegradation of petroleum and gasoline hydrocarbons, 

inchtding benzene and alkylbenzenes. A separate study is attempting to model the transport and 

biodegradation of organic mixtures, including gasoline. 

At the University of Nevada, a study is underway that is attempting to: (1) establish improved methods 

for analyses of soils for gasoline constituents; and (2) determine the utility of using volatilization as a 

method for decontaminating soils containing gasoline. This field experiment will be conducted under 

conditions similar to those used in landfarming. The purpose is to demonstrate the relative rates of 
GASOLINE 139 

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE 

loss of various petroleum hydrocarbons, with identification of a treatment method that optimizes loss 

at lowest cost. 

GASOLINE 141 

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS 

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the analytical methods that are available for detecting and/or 

measuring and monitoring gasoline in environmental media and iu biological samples. The intent is 

not to provide an exhaustive list of analytical methods that could be used to detect and quantify 

gasoline. Rather, the intention is to identify well-established methods that are used as the standard 

methods of analysis. Many of the analytical methods used to detect gasoline in environmental samples 

are the methods approved by federal organizations such as EPA and the National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Other methods presented in this chapter are those that are 

approved by groups such as the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and the 

American Public Health Association (APHA). Additionally, analytical methods are included that 

refine previously used methods to obtain lower detection limits, and/or to improve accuracy and 

precision. 

6.1 BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS 

Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and additives. The major hydrocarbon component 

categories in gasoline include alkanes, isoalkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, and aromatics (MacFarland et 

al. 1984). The methods most commonly used to detect the major hydrocarbon components in gasoline 

in biological materials include gas chromatography (GC) and high resolution gas chromatography 

(HRGC) combined with flame ionization detection (FID). GC combined with mass spectrometry (MS) 

has been used for both identification and quantification of the hydrocarbon components in gasoline and 

increases the reliability of the technique. GC or HRGC combined with atomic absorption spectrometry 

(AAS) are the most commonly used methods for detecting lead or alkyllead compounds.. Highperformance 

liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with electron capture detector (ECD) has also 

been used to detect alkyllead compounds. See Table 6-l for a summary of the analytical methods 

most commonly used to determine gasoline in biological materials. For more analytical methods 

information, see the ATSDR toxicological profiles on some of the individual components of gasolines 

(e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, cyclohexane, ethane, ethylene, and lead) (ATSDR 1989, 1990, 1991). 




GASOLINE 146 

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS 

GC/FID, HRGC/FID, GC/MS, and HRGC/MS have been used for quantification and identification of 

the hydrocarbon components of gasoline (aromatics, isoalkanes, alkanes, and alkenes) in alveolar air 

and lung gas (Brugnone et al. 1986; Ikebuchi et al. 1986). Since many of the components are volatile, 

analysis of the headspace gas is the most commonly used technique. Although the limit of detection 

for each component was not reported, sensitivity for the method, based on data reported, is in the ppb 

to sub-ppm range. Precision was very good (3.9-7% coefficient of variation [CV]) for measuring the 

components in lung gas (Ikebuchi et al. 1986). Precision data were not reported for alveolar air. 

Recovery data were not reported for either alveolar air or lung gas. 

HRGC/FID, HRGC/MS, GC/FID and GC/MS have been used for quantification and identification of 

the hydrocarbon components of gasoline (aromatics, isoalkanes, alkanes, alkenes) in blood (Brugnone 

et al. 1986; Matsubara et al. 1988; Kimura et al. 1988). The hydrocarbon components were measured 

by analyzing headspace gas (Brugnone et al. 1986; Kimura et al. 1988; Matsubara et al. 1988). The 

headspace technique combined with GC/MS is rapid and makes for reliable qualitative and quantitative 

estimations of small amounts of volatile fuel components (Kimura et al. 1988). The limit of detection 

for GC/MS was 0.01 μg (Kimura et al. 1988). GC/FID is also a rapid and simple method for 

determining gasoline in blood (Matsubara et al. 1988). Accuracy is generally good (81-125% 

recovery) and precision (4.8-24% CV) is adequate (Matsubara et al. 1988). Although the limit of 

detection for various components was not reported, the sensitivity of the method, based on data 

reported, is in the ppm-range (Matsubara et al. 1988). 

GC and HRGC combined with AAS have been used to measure lead and alkyllead compounds of 

gasoline, such as tetramethyl lead, in blood and urine (Andersson et al. 1984; Harman et al. 1981; 

Moore et al. 1976). AAS is the most common detector used to measure lead or alkyllead compounds 

in blood and urine since AAS is a lead-specific detector (Andersson et al. 1984; Harms et al. 1981; 

Moore et al. 1976). The alkyllead compounds are solvent extracted (Andersson et al. 1984; Harman et 

al. 1981). For blood samples, recovery was excellent (>90%) and precision was adequate (<10% 

relative standard deviation [RSD]) (Andersson et al. 1984). The detection limit was in the ppm-range 

(Andersson et al. 1984). No recovery, precision, or sensitivity data were reported for measuring lead 

in urine (Harman et al. 1981; Moore et al. 1976). Another method for determining alkyllead 

compounds (tetraethyl lead and tetramethyl lead) in gasoline (no matrix reported) has been investigated 
GASOLINE 147 

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS 

(Bond and McLachlan 1986). This method includes HPLC coupled with ECD at both solid and 

mercury electrodes (Bond and McLachlan 1986). This method is more specific for alkyllead 

compounds in gasoline than atomic absorption spectrometric detection since the mercury electrode acts 

as a very specific detector for alkyllead compounds (Bond and McLachlan 1986). The limit of 

detection is in the low ppm range (≈ 2 mg/L) for both tetramethyllead and tetraethyllead (Bond and 

McLachlan 1986). Precision is excellent (±3% CV) (Bond and McLachlan 1986). Spectrophotometric 

detection of phenol in urine has been used for determining benzene (a component of gasoline) in urine 

(Pandya et al. 1975; Buchwald 1966). No details were given regarding recovery, precision, or 

detection limits. 

A single method of analyzing the hydrocarbon components of gasoline in tissue samples was located 

(Shankles et al. 1982). This method utilized HRGCFID and involved injection of headspace gas. The 

limit of detection, accuracy, and precision of this method were not reported. 

6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES 

The methods most commonly used to detect the major hydrocarbon components of gasoline in 

environmental samples include GC/FID, GC/MS, HRGC/FID, HRGCMS, and HRGC/photoionization 

detector (PID)/FID. GC combined with photoionization-ion mobility spectrometry (PI-IMS) has been 

used and is selective to aromatic hydrocarbons. See Table 6-2 for a summary of the analytical 

methods used to determine gasoline in environmental samples. Several of the gasoline components 

have been discussed in detail in their individual toxicological profiles (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, 

cyclohexane, ethane, ethylene, and lead), which should be constituted for more information on 

analytical methods. 

GC/FID, HRGC/FID and HRGC/MS are the most commonly used methods to selectively detect and 

identify the hydrocarbon components of gasoline in air (Berglund and Petersson 1990; Brown 1988; 

Brugnone et al. 1986; Esposito and Jacobs 1977; Russo et al. 1987). Air samples are usually collected 

on an adsorbent tube, examples of which include charcoal, Tenax@, and Chromosorb@. Analytes are 

then extracted by heat or liquid solvent and analyzed. Collection efficiency (>90% recovery) was very 

good using charcoal tubes (Esposito and Jacobs 1977; Russo et al. 1987). No recovery data were 




GASOLINE 152 

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS 

reported for other types of adsorption tubes for comparison purposes. Both GC and HRGC combined 

with FID have adequate reproducibility (precision ranging from 5-12% CV) (Brown 1988; Russo et al. 

1987). Although detection limits were not reported for these methods, based on data reported, 

sensitivity is in the low- to sub-ppm range. 

GC/FID, HRGC/FID, HRGU/PID/FID, and HRG/MS have been used to measure the hydrocarbon 

components of gasoline in water, groundwater, and sea water (Belkin and Hable 1988; Dell’Acqua et 

al. 1976; Dimock et al. 1980; Kanai et al. 1991; Roe et al. 1989). Sample preparation methods 

include solvent extraction, purge-and-trap (dynamic headspace), and static headspace techniques. With 

the purge-and-trap technique, the multicomponent tube (Tenax@/Ambersorb@/charcoal) was effective in 

the collection and adsorption of a wide range of compounds found in gasoline (Belkin and Hable 

1988). A disadvantage associated with the use of the purge-and-trap method is that it is subject to the 

inherent problems associated with the use of adsorbents, such as overloading, carryover, and 

breakdown with repeated heating and purging cycles (Roe et al. 1989). The static headspace method, 

however, is an attractive method due to its rapid turn around times and its simplicity, i.e., no sample 

workup is required outside the vial (Roe et al. 1989). The static headspace method is less expensive 

than the purge-and-trap because of the lack of expensive purging equipment (Roe et al. 1989). With 

the headspace method, multiple runs can be performed on a single sample vial, whereas the purge-andtrap 

method is essentially destructive; the sample may only be purged and analyzed once (Roe et al. 

1989). Poor extraction efficiency (≈60% recovery) was obtained using a solvent extraction technique 

(Dimock et al. 1980). Good recovery (95-104%) and adequate precision (9.4-10.6% CV) were 

obtained using the purge-and-trap technique with HRGUFID (Belkin and Hable 1988). No recovery 

data were reported using the static headspace preparation method with HRGC/PID/FID; however, 

precision was good (2-8% RSD) (Roe et al. 1989). The use of serial detectors (PID/FID) with HRGC 

enhanced selectivity by providing an additional means of discrimination for the complex-gasoline 

mixture. Although detection limits were not reported for any method, based on data reported, 

sensitivity is in the ppm-to-ppb range. 

HRGC/PID/FID and GC/PI-IMS are methods that have been used to measure the volatile aromatic 

components of gasoline in soil (Eiceman et al. 1987; Roe et al. 1989). Sample preparation is simple 

because the static headspace method is used. The use of serial detectors (PID/FID) with HRGC 
GASOLINE 153 

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS 

enhanced selectivity. No recovery data or detection limits were reported for HRGC/PID/FID; 

however, precision was good (2-8% RSD) (Roe et al. 1989). PID has a high selectivity to aromatic 

hydrocarbons (Eiceman et al. 1987). The combination of PI with IMS (PI-IMS) provided a second 

basis for resolution of chemical information and thus enhanced selectivity (Eiceman et al. 1987). 

Reproducibility for the GCM-IMS method ranged from 10 to 60% with a detection limit of 18 mg/kg 

(Eiceman et al. 1987). 

Limited data were located regarding methods for detecting the hydrocarbon components of gasoline in 

biota (bivalve mollusks) (Dimock et al. 1980). The methods used were GC (detector not reported) and 

GUMS. Sample preparation included tissue digestion, extraction and clean-up, and solvent exchange 

to hexane. Recovery was poor (≈60%). Sensitivity and precision were not reported. 

6.3 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE 

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with 

the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether 

adequate information on the health effects of gasoline is available. Where adequate information is not 

available, ATSDR, in conjunction with NTP, is required to assure the initiation of a program of 

research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing methods to determine 

such health effects) of gasoline. 

The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from 

ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that, if met, 

would reduce or eliminate the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be 

interpreted to mean that all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the 

identified data needs will be evaluated and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be 

proposed. 
GASOLINE 154 

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS 

6.3.1 Identification of Data Needs 

Methods for Determining Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect. Methods exist to measure 

lead (organic and inorganic) levels in blood and urine (Andersson et al. 1984; Bond and McLachlan 

1986; Harman et al. 1981; Moore et al. 1976). Elevated urinary and blood lead levels may be 

indicators of exposure to leaded gasoline, but are not specific for gasoline. Methods also exist for 

measuring the hydrocarbon components of gasoline in alveolar air and lung gas (Brugnone et al. 1986; 

Ikebuchi et al. 1986), blood (Brugnone et al. 1986; Kimura et al. 1988; Matsubara et al. 1988), and 

urine (Buchwald 1966; Pandya et la. 1975) as biomarkers of exposure to gasoline, but again, are not 

specific for gasoline. The existing methods are sensitive enough to measure background levels in the 

population and levels at which biological effects occur. Recovery, precision, and accuracy data are 

needed for measuring urinary lead levels. Recovery and detection limit data are needed for measuring 

the hydrocarbon components in alveolar air, lung gas, blood, and urine. These data will help to 

improve the reliability and reproducibility of the methods and will be useful in monitoring populations 

exposed to gasoline. 

There do not appear to be any biomarkers of effect that are specific for gasoline. 

Methods for Determining Parent Compounds and Degradation Products in 

Environmental Media. Methods exist to detect the major hydrocarbon components of gasoline in 

air (Berglund and Petersson 1990; Brown 1988; Brugnone et al. 1986; Esposito and Jacobs 1977; 

Russo et al. 1987), water (Belkin and Hable 1988; Dell’Acqua et al. 1976; Dimock et al. 1980; Kanai 

et al. 1991; Roe et al. 1989), and soil (Eiceman et al. 1987; Roe et al. 1989). The most commonly 

used methods are GC/FID, HRGC/FID, GC/MS, HRGC/MS, HRGC/PID/FID, and GC/PI-IMS. These 

methods are relatively sensitive, selective, and reliable and can be used to detect the levels of the 

gasoline components found in the environment and levels at which health effects occur. Recovery 

data and detection limits are needed for measuring components found in all media. Recovery data will 

help to assess and improve reproducibility of the methods. Detection limit data will aid in comparison 

of sensitivity between methods and indicate where improvements in sensitivity are needed. This 

information will be useful in monitoring gasoline contamination in the environment. 
GASOLINE 155 

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS 

6.3.2 On-going Studies
 

No on-going analytical methods studies were located.
 

GASOLINE 157 

7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES 

The international, national, and state regulations and guidelines regarding gasoline in air, water, and 

other media are summarized in Table 7-l. Regulations and guidelines pertaining specifically to 

gasoline emissions are not included in Table 7-l. Regulations and guidelines for which it has not been 

explicitly stated if they apply to gasoline vapor and/or emissions have been included in Table 7-l. 

There is no EPA reference dose (RfD) or reference concentration (RfC) for gasoline. EPA has 

established many regulations on gasoline to control air pollution (EPA 1990a, 1990b, 199Oc). Many 

states have adopted additional, more stringent regulations (CELDS 1991). Under the Hazardous 

Material Transportation Act, gasoline is designated as a hazardous substance subject to special 

requirements for packaging, labeling, and transportation (DOT 1989a, 1989b). 



__________________ 

GASOLINE 161 

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GASOLINE 193 

9. GLOSSARY 

Acute Exposure -- Exposure to a chemical for a duration of 14 days or less, as specified in the 

Toxicological Profiles. 

Adsorption Coefficient (Koc) The ratio of the amount of a chemical adsorbed per unit weight of 

organic carbon in the soil or sediment to the concentration of the chemical in solution at equilibrium. 

Adsorption Ratio (Kd) -- The amount of a chemical adsorbed by a sediment or soil (i.e., the solid 

phase) divided by the amount of chemical in the solution phase, which is in equilibrium with the solid 

phase, at a fixed solid/solution ratio. It is generally expressed in micrograms of chemical sorbed per 

gram of soil or sediment. 

Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) -- The quotient of the concentration of a chemical in aquatic 

organisms at a specific time or during a discrete time period of exposure divided by the concentration 

in the surrounding water at the same time or during the same period. 

Cancer Effect Level (CEL) -- The lowest dose of chemical in a study, or group of studies, that 

produces significant increases in the incidence of cancer (or tumors) between the exposed population 

and its appropriate control. 

Carcinogen -- A chemical capable of inducing cancer. 

Ceiling Value -- A concentration of a substance that should not be exceeded, even instantaneously. 

Chronic Exposure -- Exposure to a chemical for 365 days or more, as specified in the Toxicological 

Profiles. 

Developmental Toxicity -- The occurrence of adverse effects on the developing organism that may 

result from exposure to a chemical prior to conception (either parent), during prenatal development, or 

postnatally to the time of sexual maturation. Adverse developmental effects may be detected at any 

point in the life span of the organism. 

Embryotoxicity and Fetotoxicity -- Any toxic effect on the conceptus as a result of prenatal exposure 

to a chemical; the distinguishing feature between the two terms is the stage of development during 

which the insult occurred. The terms, as used here, include malformations and variations, altered 

growth, and in utero death. 

EPA Health Advisory -- An estimate of acceptable drinking water levels for a chemical substance 

based on health effects information. A health advisory is not a legally enforceable federal standard, 

but serves as technical guidance to assist federal, state, and local officials. 
GASOLINE 194 

9. GLOSSARY 

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) -- The maximum environmental concentration of 

a contaminant from which one could escape within 30 min without any escape-impairing symptoms or 

irreversible health effects. 

Intermediate Exposure -- Exposure to a chemical for a duration of 15-364 days, as specified in the 

Toxicological Profiles. 

Immunologic Toxicity -- The occurrence of adverse effects on the immune system that may result 

from exposure to environmental agents such as chemicals. 

In Vitro -- Isolated from the living organism and artificially maintained, as in a test tube. 

In Vivo -- Occurring within the living organism. 

Lethal Concentration(LO)(LCLO) -- The lowest concentration of a chemical in air which has been 

reported to have caused death in humans or animals. 

Lethal Concentration(50)(LC50) -- A calculated concentration of a chemical in air to which exposure 

for a specific length of time is expected to cause death in 50% of a defined experimental animal 

population. 

Lethal Dose(LO) (LDLO) -- The lowest dose of a chemical introduced by a route other than inhalation 

that is expected to have caused death in humans or animals. 

Lethal Dose(50) (LD50) -- The dose of a chemical which has been calculated to cause death in 50% of a 

defined experimental animal population. 

Lethal Time(50) (LT50) -- A calculated period of time within which a specific concentration of a 

chemical is expected to cause death in 50% of a defined experimental animal population. 

Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL) -- The lowest dose of chemical in a study, or 

group of studies, that produces statistically or biologically significant increases in frequency or severity 

of adverse effects between the exposed population and its appropriate control. 

Malformations -- Permanent structural changes that may adversely affect survival, development, or 

function. 

Minimal Risk Level -- An estimate of daily human exposure to a dose of a chemical that is likely to 

be without an appreciable risk of adverse noncancerous effects over a specified duration of exposure. 

Mutagen -- A substance that causes mutations. A mutation is a change in the genetic material in a 

body cell. Mutations can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer. 

Neurotoxicity -- The occurrence of adverse effects on the nervous system following exposure to 

chemical. 
GASOLINE 195 

9. GLOSSARY 

No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) -- The dose of chemical at which there were no 

statistically or biologically significant increases in frequency or severity of adverse effects seen 

between the exposed population and its appropriate control. Effects may be produced at this dose, but 

they are not considered to be adverse. 

Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient (Kow) -- The equilibrium ratio of the concentrations of a 

chemical in n-octanol and water, in dilute solution. 

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) -- An allowable exposure level in workplace air averaged over an 

8-hour shift. 

q1 * -- The upper-bound estimate of the low-dose slope of the dose-response curve as determined by 

the multistage procedure. The q1* can be used to calculate an estimate of carcinogenic potency, the 

incremental excess cancer risk per unit of exposure (usually μg/L for water, mg/kg/day for food, and 

μg/m3 for air). 

Reference Dose (RfD) -- An estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude) of 

the daily exposure of the human population to a potential hazard that is likely to be without risk of 

deleterious effects during a lifetime. The RfD is operationally derived from the NOAEL (from animal 

and human studies) by a consistent application of uncertainty factors that reflect various types of data 

used to estimate RfDs and an additional modifying factor, which is based on a professional judgment 

of the entire database on the chemical. The RfDs are not applicable to nonthreshold effects such as 

cancer. 

Reportable Quantity (RQ) -- The quantity of a hazardous substance that is considered reportable 

under CERCLA. Reportable quantities are (1) 1 pound or greater or (2) for selected substances, an 

amount established by regulation either under CERCLA or under Sect. 311 of the Clean Water Act. 

Quantities are measured over a 24-hour period. 

Reproductive Toxicity -- The occurrence of adverse effects on the reproductive system that may 

result from exposure to a chemical. The toxicity may be directed to the reproductive organs and/or the 

related endocrine system. The manifestation of such toxicity may be noted as alterations in sexual 

behavior, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, or modifications in other functions that are dependent on the 

integrity of this system. 

Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) -- The maximum concentration to which workers can be 

exposed for up- to 15 min continually. No more than four excursions are allowed per day, and there 

must be at least 60 min between exposure periods. The daily TLV-TWA may not be exceeded. 

Target Organ Toxicity -- This term covers a broad range of adverse effects on target organs or 

physiological systems (e.g., renal, cardiovascular) extending from those arising through a single limited 

exposure to those assumed over a lifetime of exposure to a chemical. 

Teratogen -- A chemical that causes structural defects that affect the development of an organism. 
GASOLINE 196 

9. GLOSSARY 

Threshold Limit Value (TLV) -- A concentration of a substance to which most workers can be 

exposed without adverse effect. The TLV may be expressed as a TWA, as a STEL, or as a CL. 

Time-Weighted Average (TWA) -- An allowable exposure concentration averaged over a normal 8­

hour workday or 40-hour workweek. 

Toxic Dose (TD50) -- A calculated dose of a chemical, introduced by a route other than inhalation, 

which is expected to cause a specific toxic effect in 50% of a defined experimental animal population. 

Uncertainty Factor (UF) -- A factor used in operationally deriving the RfD from experimental data. 

UFs are intended to account for (1) the variation in sensitivity among the members of the human 

population, (2) the uncertainty in extrapolating animal data to the case of human, (3) the uncertainty in 

extrapolating from data obtained in a study that is of less than lifetime exposure, and (4) the 

uncertainty in using LOAEL data rather than NOAEL data. Usually each of these factors is set equal 

to 10. 
A-l 

APPENDIX A
 

USER’S GUIDE
 

Chapter 1 

Public Health Statement. 

This chapter of the profile is a health effects summary written in non-technical language. Its intended 

audience is the general public especially people living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste site or 

chemical release. If the Public Health Statement were removed from the rest of the document, it 

would still communicate to the lay public essential information about the chemical. 

The major headings in the Public Health Statement are useful to find specific topics of concern. The 

topics are written in a question and answer format. The answer to each question includes a sentence 

that will direct the reader to chapters in the profile that will provide more information on the given 

topic. 

Chapter 2 

Tables and Figures for Levels of Significant Exposure (LSE) 

Tables (2-1, 2-2, and 2-3) and figures (2-l and 2-2) are used to summarize health effects and illustrate 

graphically levels of exposure associated with those effects. These levels cover health effects observed 

at increasing dose concentrations and durations, differences in response by species, minimal risk levels 

(MRLs) to humans for noncancer endpoints, and EPA’s estimated range associated with an 

upper-bound individual lifetime cancer risk of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 10,000,000. Use the LSE tables and 

figures for a quick review of the health effects and to locate data for a specific exposure scenario. The 

LSE tables and figures should always be used in conjunction with the text. All entries in these tables 

and figures represent studies that provide reliable, quantitative estimates of No-Observed-AdverseEffect Levels (NOAELs), Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Levels (LOAELs), or Cancer Effect Levels 

(CELs). 

The legends presented below demonstrate the application of these tables and figures. Representative 

examples of LSE Table 2-l and Figure 2-l are shown. The numbers in the left column of the legends 

correspond to the numbers in the example table and figure. 

LEGEND 

See LSE Table 2-1 

(1) Route of Exposure One of the first considerations when reviewing the toxicity of a substance 

using these tables and figures should be the relevant and appropriate route of exposure. When 

sufficient data exists, three LSE tables and two LSE figures are presented in the document. The 

three LSE tables present data on the three principal routes of exposure, i.e., inhalation, oral, and 

dermal (LSE Table 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3, respectively). LSE figures are limited to the inhalation 

(LSE Figure 2-l) and oral (LSE Figure 2-2) routes. Not all substances will have data on each 

route of exposure and will not therefore have all five of the tables and figures. 
A-2 

APPENDIX A 

(2)	 Exposure Period Three exposure periods - acute (less than 15 days), intermediate (15-364 days), 

and chronic (365 days or more) are presented within each relevant route of exposure. In this 

example, an inhalation study of intermediate exposure duration is reported. For quick reference 

to health effects occurring from a known length of exposure, locate the applicable exposure 

period within the LSE table and figure. 

(3)	 Health Effect The major categories of health effects included in LSE tables and figures are 

death, systemic, immunological, neurological, developmental, reproductive, and cancer. 

NOAELs and LOAELs can be reported in the tables and figures for all effects but cancer. 

Systemic effects are further defined in the “System” column of the LSE table (see key number 18). 

(4)	 Key to Figure Each key number in the LSE table links study information to one or more data 

points using the same key number in the corresponding LSE figure. In this example, the study 

represented by key number 18 has been used to derive a NOAEL and a Less Serious LOAEL 

(also see the 2 “18r” data points in Figure 2-l). 

(5)	 Species The test species, whether animal or human, are identified in this column. Section 2.4, 

“Relevance to Public Health,” covers the relevance of animal data to human toxicity and Section 

2.3, “Toxicokinetics,” contains any available information on comparative toxicokinetics. 

Although NOAELs and LOAELs are species specific, the levels are extrapolated to equivalent 

human doses to derive an MRL. 

(6)	 Exposure Frequency/Duration The duration of the study and the weekly and daily exposure 

regimen are provided in this column. This permits comparison of NOAELs and LOAELs from 

different studies. In this case (key number 18), rats were exposed to toxaphene via inhalation for 

6 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 3 weeks. For a more complete review of the dosing 

regimen refer to the appropriate sections of the text or the original reference paper, i.e., Nitschke 

et al. 1981. 

(7)	 System This column further defines the systemic effects. These systems include: respiratory, 

cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological, musculoskeletal, hepatic, renal, and dermal/ocular. 

“Other” refers to any systemic effect (e.g., a decrease in body weight) not covered in these 

systems. In the example of key number 18, 1 systemic effect (respiratory) was investigated. 

(8)	 NOAEL A No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) is the highest exposure level at which 

no harmful effects were seen in the organ system studied. Key number 18 reports a NOAEL of 

3 ppm for the respiratory system which was used to derive an intermediate exposure, inhalation 

MRL of 0.005 ppm (see footnote “b”). 

(9)	 LOAEL A Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL) is the lowest dose used in the 

study that caused a harmful health effect. LOAELs have been classified into “Less Serious” 

and “Serious” effects. These distinctions help readers identify the levels of exposure at which 

adverse health effects first appear and the gradation of effects with increasing dose. A brief 

description of the specific endpoint used to quantify the adverse effect accompanies the LOAEL. 

The respiratory effect reported in key number 18 (hyperplasia) is a Less serious LOAEL of 10 

ppm. MRLs are not derived from Serious LOAELs. 

(10) Reference The complete reference citation is given in chapter 8 of the profile. 
A-3 

APPENDIX A 

(11) CEL A Cancer Effect Level (CEL) is the lowest exposure level associated with the onset of 

carcinogenesis in experimental or epidemiologic studies. CELs are always considered serious 

effects. The LSE tables and figures do not contain NOAELs for cancer, but the text may report 

doses not causing measurable cancer increases. 

(12) Footnotes Explanations of abbreviations or reference notes for data in the LSE tables are found 

in the footnotes. Footnote “b” indicates the NOAEL of 3 ppm in key number 18 was used to 

derive an MRL of 0.005 ppm. 

LEGEND 

See Figure 2-1 

LSE figures graphically illustrate the data presented in the corresponding LSE tables. Figures help the 

reader quickly compare health effects according to exposure concentrations for particular exposure 

periods. 

(13) Exposure Period The same exposure periods appear as in the LSE table. In this example, health 

effects observed within the intermediate and chronic exposure periods are illustrated. 

(14) Health Effect These are the categories of health effects for which reliable quantitative data 

exists. The same health effects appear in the LSE table. 

(15) Levels of Exposure concentrations or doses for each health effect in the LSE tables are 

graphically displayed in the LSE figures. Exposure concentration or dose is measured on the log 

scale “y” axis. Inhalation exposure is reported in mg/m3

 or ppm and oral exposure is reported in 

mg/kg/day . 

(16) NOAEL In this example, 18r NOAEL is the critical endpoint for which an intermediate 

inhalation exposure MRL is based. As you can see from the LSE figure key, the open-circle 

symbol indicates to a NOAEL for the test species-rat. The key number 18 corresponds to the 

entry in the LSE table. The dashed descending arrow indicates the extrapolation from the 

exposure level of 3 ppm (see entry 18 in the Table) to the MRL of 0.005 ppm (see footnote “b” 

in the LSE table). 

(17)	 CEL Key number 38r is 1 of 3 studies for which Cancer Effect Levels were derived. The 

diamond symbol refers to a Cancer Effect Level for the test species-mouse. The number 38 

corresponds to the entry in the LSE table. 

(18) Estimated Upper-Bound Human Cancer Risk Levels This is the range associated with the 

upper-bound for lifetime cancer risk of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 10,000,000. These risk-levels are 

derived from the EPA’s Human Health Assessment Group’s upper-bound estimates of the slope 

of the cancer dose response curve at low dose levels (q1*). 

(19) Key to LSE Figure The Key explains the abbreviations and symbols used in the figure. 


A-6 

APPENDIX A 

Chapter 2 (Section 2.4) 

Relevance to Public Health 

The Relevance to Public Health section provides a health effects summary based on evaluations of 

existing toxicologic, epidemiologic, and toxicokinetic information. This summary is designed to 

present interpretive, weight-of-evidence discussions for human health endpoints by addressing the 

following questions. 

1. What effects are known to occur in humans? 

2. What effects observed in animals are likely to be of concern to humans? 

3. What exposure conditions are likely to be of concern to humans, especially around hazardous

 waste sites? 

The section covers endpoints in the same order they appear within the Discussion of Health Effects by 

Route of Exposure section, by route (inhalation, oral, dermal) and within route by effect. Human data 

are presented first, then animal data. Both are organized by duration (acute, intermediate, chronic). In 

vitro data and data from parenteral routes (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, etc.) are also 

considered in this section. If data are located in the scientific literature, a table of genotoxicity 

information is included. 

The carcinogenic potential of the profiled substance is qualitatively evaluated, when appropriate, using 

existing toxicokinetic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic data. ATSDR does not currently assess cancer 

potency or perform cancer risk assessments. Minimal risk levels (MRLs) for noncancer endpoints (if 

derived) and the endpoints from which they were derived are indicated and discussed. 

Limitations to existing scientific literature that prevent a satisfactory evaluation of the relevance to 

public health are identified in the Data Needs section. 

Interpretation of Minimal Risk Levels 

Where sufficient toxicologic information is available, we have derived minimal risk levels (MRLs) for 

inhalation and oral routes of entry at each duration of exposure (acute, intermediate, and chronic). 

These MRLs are not meant to support regulatory action; but to acquaint health professionals with 

exposure levels at which adverse health effects are not expected to occur in humans. They should 

help physicians and public health officials determine the safety of a community living near a chemical 

emission, given the concentration of a contaminant in air or the estimated daily dose in water. MRLs 

are based largely on toxicological studies in animals and on reports of human occupational exposure. 

MRL users should be familiar with the toxicologic information on which the number is based. 

Chapter 2.4, “Relevance to Public Health,” contains basic information known about the substance. 

Other sections such as 2.6, “Interactions with Other Substances,” and 2.7, “Populations that are 

Unusually Susceptible” provide important supplemental information. 

MRL users should also understand the MRL derivation methodology. MRLs are derived using a 

modified version of the risk assessment methodology the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

provides (Barnes and Dourson 1988) to determine reference doses for lifetime exposure (RfDs). 
A-7 

APPENDIX A 

To derive an MRL, ATSDR generally selects the most sensitive endpoint which, in its best judgement, 

represents the most sensitive human health effect for a given exposure route and duration. ATSDR 

cannot make this judgement or derive an MRL unless information (quantitative or qualitative) is 

available for all potential systemic, neurological, and developmental effects. If this information and 

reliable quantitative data on the chosen endpoint are available, ATSDR derives an MRL using the 

most sensitive species (when information from multiple species is available) with the highest NOAEL 

that does not exceed any adverse effect levels. When a NOAEL is not available, a 

lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) can be used to derive an MRL, and an uncertainty 

factor (UF) of 10 must be employed. Additional uncertainty factors of 10 must be used both for 

human variability to protect sensitive subpopulations (people who are most susceptible to the health 

effects caused by the substance) and for interspecies variability (extrapolation from animals to 

humans). In deriving an MRL, these individual uncertainty factors are multiplied together. The 

product is then divided into the inhalation concentration or oral dosage selected from the study. 

Uncertainty factors used in developing a substance-specific MRL are provided in the footnotes of the 

LSE Tables.