• nomecks@lemmy.wtf
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    1 day ago

    The OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for benzene is 1 part per million (ppm) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), with a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 5 ppm for any 15-minute period.

    The benzene content limit in gasoline in the United States is set at 0.62% by volume, with a maximum average standard of 1.3% that took effect in 2012.

      • nomecks@lemmy.wtf
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        1 day ago

        Never got a drip on you filling up? There’s 10,000x as much benzene in gas as OSHA alllows for expoure

        • Kommeavsted@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          1 day ago

          Those OSHA guidelines are for gaseous phase. Which yes you’re likely to get a high concentration even just pumping gas, but my guess is it averages out to within the limits. Seems weird to state liquid fractions.

          • Knightfox@lemmy.world
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            1 day ago

            It’s because Benzene is so volatile that it will rapidly evaporate and then it’s density is low enough that it spreads out so quickly that in a very short time it’s no longer dangerous. You basically have to crouch down and huff by the fuel nozzle or be pumping gas in a small enclosed space for any significant health impacts.