Potential Public Health Hazards

Well Development includes all operations used in development of a site for extraction of hydrocarbons from an underground reservoir.

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Exploration refers to locating a potential hydrocarbon resource and includes geologic studies, petrochemical evaluations, and seismic interpretations.

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Site preparation includes clearing and leveling well pads and access roads; construction of well pad and access roads; and placement of pipelines (if used) and equipment.

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Drilling includes the drilling through the subsurface into the formation and establishment of the well bore, as well as management of drill cuttings.

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Hydraulic Fracturing includes transport of water and chemicals to the site; storage of water; chemicals and fracturing fluids on site; mixing of fracturing fluid; high pressure injection of fracturing fluids into the well bore; and use of explosives.

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Flowback is the flow of petroleum hydrocarbons (oil, gas, and condensate), fracturing fluids, and formation (produced water) from the formation to the surface. This phase of well development involves storage of flowback fluids on the well pad or at a centralized facility; recycling of fluids; and disposal of fluids by deep injection into wells, discharge to surface, or transportation to disposal facility.

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Well production includes all the on-going operations used to obtain hydrocarbons from the well; reduction of water flow to the lowest level that will not economically interfere with hydrocarbon production; and maintainance of equipment and infrastructure.

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Processing refers to all activities associated with preparing recovered oil and natural gas for its end use. Natural gas produced at the well head contains contaminants and natural gas liquids that must be processed i.e., separated into liquid and gas fractions before it can be safely delivered to the end consumer. Processing typically occurs on site (on or near the well-pad) and/or off site (at a centralized processing facility). On site processing involves dehydrators, separators, and condensate tanks.

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The process of performing major routine maintenance (i.e., pigging and liquids unloading) or remedial treatments (well workovers) repairs or re-stimulates an existing production well for the purpose of restoring, prolonging or enhancing the production of hydrocarbons. Re-stimulate may involve several of the steps of well development, including drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and flowback.

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Pigging is the act of forcing a device called a pig through an oil or gas pipeline for the purposes of displacing or separating fluids as well as cleaning or inspecting the line.

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A well workover is an invasive intervention to replace parts or completions in a well that are not functioning properly, as well as to improve flow rates as reservoir conditions change.

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Liquid unloading involves the removal of accumulated liquids (e.g. condensate) from a well in order to increase production in mature wells where accumulation of liquids has slowed natural gas production. Techniques for unloading can include venting the well to the atmosphere , swabbing the well, or installing a plunger lift, velocity tubing or an artificial lift system.

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The process of moving product (oil or gas) to downstream processes and consumers.

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Well abandonment includes plugging of the well bore and reclamation of the well site when the well will no longer be used.

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Diesel exhaust is a mixture of particulate matter and chemicals resulting from the combustion of diesel in engines. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of diesel exhaust may cause eye irritation and pulmonary function changes. Diesel exhaust is a likely human carcinogen (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0207.html; http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=29060).

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Noise levels in the range of 30 to 70 decibels have been associated with sleep disturbance, fatigue, impaired cognition, mood changes, diminished school performance, hypertension, and heart disease (Witter 2013).

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Particulate matter is found in diesel exhaust and dust. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of particulate matter may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, phlegm, chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath; chest discomfort, wheezing, unusual fatigue, heart palpitations (http://www.epa.gov/ncea/pdfs/partmatt/Dec2009/PM_ISA_full.pdf; http://epa.gov/pm/pdfs/pm-color.pdf)

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Crystalline silica is a component of fracturing sand. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of silica may cause cough, breathing difficultly, wheezing; decreased pulmonary function, and progressive respiratory systems. Silica is a human carcinogen. (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0684.html; https://www.osha.gov/dts/hazardalerts/hydraulic_frac_hazard_alert)

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Hydrogen sulfide, also known as sour gas, can occur naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas or it can result from bacterial breakdown of organic matter. Biocides are often added to fracturing fluids to reduce the likelihood of hydrogen sulfide formation. Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs and people usually can smell it at very low air concentrations. Inhalation of low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat, headaches, poor memory, tiredness, and balance problems, as well as difficulty in breathing for some asthmatics. At very high concentrations, inhalation can cause respiratory distress, respiratory arrest, and death. ( ATSDR Hydrogen Sulfide ToxFAQs http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts114.pdf)

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Particulate matter is found in diesel exhaust and dust. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of particulate matter may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, phlegm, chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath; chest discomfort, wheezing, unusual fatigue, heart palpitations (http://www.epa.gov/ncea/pdfs/partmatt/Dec2009/PM_ISA_full.pdf; http://epa.gov/pm/pdfs/pm-color.pdf)

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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as PAHs, are a group of chemicals naturally occurring in crude petroleum and found in diesel exhaust. Some PAHs are human carcinogens. (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts69.pdf)

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Naphthalene is a volatile organic chemical included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list that naturally occurs in crude petroleum and possibly natural gas and it is found in diesel exhaust. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to naphthalene may cause nose and lung irritation. Exposures to high levels of naphthalene can damage red blood cells and cause anemia, fatigue, lack of appetite, restlessness, pale skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, and jaundice. Naphthalene is a possible human carcinogen (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts67.pdf; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0439.html)

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1,3-Butadiene is a volatile organic chemical included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list that can be formed when diesel is combustion and can occur in diesel exhaust. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of 1,3-butadiene may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; drowsiness, dizziness, teratogenic, and reproductive effects. 1,3-Butadiene is a human carcinogen (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts28.pdf; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/default.html;).

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Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list that is found in diesel exhaust. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of formaldehyde may cause eye, nose, throat, and respiratory system irritation; discharge of tears; cough and wheezing. Formaldehyde is a possible human carcinogen (ATSDR ToxFAQs http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts111.pdf; http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0293.html)

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Boric acid may be used in drilling muds. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Symptoms from exposure may include: eye, skin, and upper respiratory system irritation, dermatitis, nosebleeds, cough, and breathing difficultly (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0057.html)

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Borate salts may be used in drilling mud and fracturing fluids. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Symptoms from exposure may include: eye, skin, and upper respiratory system irritation, dermatitis, nosebleeds, cough, and breathing difficultly (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0057.html).

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Barium is naturally occurring metal which is included on the National Primary Water Regulations maximum contaminant level list. It is used in the oil and gas industry to make drilling muds. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Ingestion of barium may cause gastrointestinal disturbances and muscle weakness. Other symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, difficulties breathing, changes in blood pressure, and numbness around the face. Ingestion of very high levels can cause changes in heart rhythm, paralysis, and death (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts24.pdf)

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Methanol is a volatile organic chemical included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list that is sometimes used as a corrosion and scale inhibitor or friction reducer in fracturing fluids. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to methanol may cause eye, skin, upper respiratory system irritation, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting; visual disturbance, optic nerve damage and blindness (ingestion); dermatis (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0397.html; http://www.epa.gov/iris/toxreviews/0305tr.pdf)

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Glutaraldehyde is a volatile organic chemical and biocide that is sometimes added to fracturing fluids. It has a pungent odor. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of glutaraldehyde can cause eye, and respiratory system irritation; dermatitis, sensitization of skin; cough, asthma; nausea, vomiting. Skin exposure may cause irritation , dermatitis, and sensitization of the skin (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0301.html; http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/glutaraldehyde)

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N,N-Dimethylformamide is a volatile organic chemical included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list that is sometimes used as a biocide in fracturing fluids. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to N,N-dimethylformamide may cause: eye, skin, and respiratory irritation; nausea, vomiting, colic; liver damage, enlarged liver; high blood pressure; face flush; dermatisis (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0226.html)

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Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, also known as 2-B,E or 2-butoxyethanol, is sometimes used in fracturing fluid as a stabilizer. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to ethylene glycol monobutyl ether may cause: eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation; hemolysis, blood in urine; central nervous system depression, headache; vomiting (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=346&tid=61; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0070.html)

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Petroleum distillates, also known as naphtha, are sometimes used in fracturing fluids as carrier fluids. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to petroleum distillates may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea; dry cracked skin; and chemical pneumonitis (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0492.html)

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Ethylene glycol is a volatile organic chemical included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list that is sometimes used in fracturing fluids as a stabilizing agent. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposures to low concentrations of ethylene glycol are not likely to result in health effects. Exposure to high concentrations can cause eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lassitude, dizziness, stupor, and central nervous system depression. Ingestion of high concentrations of ethylene glycol can cause serious illness and death. (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts96.pdf; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0272.html)

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Isopropanol, also known as rubbing alcohol, may be used in fracturing fluids. It smells like rubbing alcohol and is soluble in water. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Symptoms from exposure may include: eye, nose, and throat irritation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and dry cracking skin (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0359.html).

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Stoddard solvent (also known as mineral spirits, petroleum solvent, spotting naphtha) may be used in fracturing fluids. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Symptoms from exposure may include: eye, nose, and throat irritation, dermatitis, and chemical pneumonitis (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0569.html).

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Acetic Acid may be used in fracturing fluids. It also can be found in vinegar and has a sour, vinegar smell. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Symptoms from exposure may include: eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation, eye and skin burns, skin sensitization, dental erosion, black skin, hyperkeratosis, tearing of the eyes, pharyngeal edema, and chronic bronchitis (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0002.html).

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Ammonium persulfate may be used in fracturing fluids. It has a mild unpleasant smell and also is used as a food preservative. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Symptoms from exposure may include: eye, nose, throat, lung, and skin irritation, skin allergies, and pulmonary edema (http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0111.pdf)

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Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list and may be used in fracturing fluids. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Symptoms from exposure may include: nose, throat, and larynx irritation; cough, choking, dermatitis, eye and skin burns (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0332.html).

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Benzene is a volatile organic chemical included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list and the National Primary Water Regulations maximum contaminant level list. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas, and also is found in diesel exhaust. Benzene has a sweet odor. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to benzene can cause eye, skin, nose, and respiratory system irritation; dizziness; headache, tremors, rapid heart rate, nausea, staggered gait; anorexia, confusion, lassitude, dermatitis, bone marrow depression, excessive bleeding, reproductive effects, and possible fetal effects. At very high concentrations, exposure to benzene can result in death. Benzene is a human carcinogen. (ATSDR ToxFAQs http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts3.pdf; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0049.html)

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Toluene is a volatile organic chemical included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas, and also is found in diesel exhaust. It has a distinctive smell. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of low to moderate levels of toluene can cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, memory loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and hearing and color vision loss. Inhalation of high levels of toluene can cause light-headedness, dizziness, sleepiness, unconsciousness, and death, as well as birth defects. Other symptoms may include eye and nose irritation, headache; dilated pupils, discharge of tears; anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia; paresthesia, dermatitis, and liver and kidney damage (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts56.pdf; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/default.html)

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Ethylbenzene is a volatile organic chemical included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list and the National Primary Water Regulations maximum contaminant level list. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas and also is found in diesel exhaust. Ethylbenzene smells like gasoline. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to ethylbenzene can cause eye, skin, and mucous membrane irritation, headache, hearing loss, dermatitis, kidney damage, coma, and possibly birth defects. Ethylbenzene is a possible human carcinogen (ATSDR ToxFAQs http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts110.pdf; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0264.html).

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Xylenes are a group of volatile organic air pollutants included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list and the National Primary Water Regulations maximum contaminant level list. They occur naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas, and also are found in diesel exhaust. Xylenes have a sweet smell. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. The following symptoms that may result from exposure are presented from low to high severity. Exposure to low concentrations is unlikely to cause health effects. Exposure to high concentrations can cause headaches, lack of muscle coordination, dizziness, confusion, and changes in sense of balance, as well as eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation; difficulty in breathing, problems with the lungs, delayed reaction time, memory difficulties, stomach discomfort, and possibly changes to the liver and kidneys, as well as possible delayed fetal growth and development and fetal death. At very high concentrations, exposure can cause unconsciousness and death. ATSDR ToxFAQs http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts71.pdf; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/default.html)

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Trimethylbenzenes are volatile organic chemicals that can occur naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation may cause nose, throat, and respiratory system irritation; bronchitis; hypochromic anemia; headache, drowsiness, lassitude, dizziness, nausea, incoordination, vomiting, confusion; chemical pneumonitis (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0639.html; http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0638.html; http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0637.html)

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Propane is a volatile organic chemical that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of low concentrations is unlikely to cause health effects. Inhalation of very high concentrations can cause dizziness, confusion, excitation and asphyxia (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0524.html)

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n-Butane is a volatile organic chemical that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of low concentrations is unlikely to cause health effects. Inhalation of very high concentrations can cause dizziness, narcosis and asphyxia (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0068.html)

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n-Pentane is a volatile organic chemical that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation to low concentrations is unlikely to cause health effects. Inhalation of high concentrations can cause eye and nose irritation; chemical pneumonitis (aspiration of liquid); and drowsiness (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0486.html)

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n-Hexane is a volatile organic chemical included on the Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutant list that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. It has a slightly disagreeable odor. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of low concentrations is unlikely to cause health effects. Inhalation of high concentrations can cause eye and nose irritation, nausea, headache; peripheral neuropathy: numb extremities. (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=392&tid=68; NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0322.html)

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n-Heptane is a volatile organic chemical that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. It has a gasoline-like odor. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to low concentrations is unlikely to cause health effects. Exposure to high concentrations can cause dizziness, stupor, incoordination; loss of appetite, nausea; dermatitis, dizziness, confusion, nausea, tremor, incoordination; chemical pneumonitis (aspiration liquid); and unconsciousness (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0312.html

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n-Nonane is a volatile organic chemical that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of low concentrations is unlikely to cause health effects. Inhalation of high concentrations can cause eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, tremor, incoordination; chemical pneumonitis (aspiration liquid) (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0466.html)

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n-Octane is a volatile organic chemical that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to low concentrations is unlikely to cause health effects. Exposure to high concentrations can cause eye, skin, nose, and respiratory system irritation; drowsiness; dermatitis; chemical pneumonitis (aspiration liquid) (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0470.html)

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Barium is naturally occurring metal which is included on the National Primary Water Regulations maximum contaminant level list. It is used in the oil and gas industry to make drilling muds. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Ingestion of barium may cause gastrointestinal disturbances and muscle weakness. Other symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, difficulties breathing, changes in blood pressure, and numbness around the face. Ingestion of very high levels can cause changes in heart rhythm, paralysis, and death (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts24.pdf)

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Stable strontium is a naturally occurring element in rocks and oil. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to low levels of stable strontium has not been shown to affect health. Children exposed to high levels of strontium may have impaired bone growth. (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts159.pdf)

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Bromine is a naturally occurring element. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Symptoms from exposure to bromine may include dizziness, headache, tearing of the eyes, nosebleeds, cough, feeling of oppression, pulmonary edema, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, and eye and skin burns (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0064.html)

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Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element formed from the break down of uranium and thorium, which are found in rocks, soil, and water. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to radium can cause anemia and eye cataracts and tooth decay. Radium is a known human carcinogen (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts144.pdf).

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Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive element that is emitted from the decay of uranium and thorium, which are found in most rock, soil and water. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of radon increases the chance of lung cancer (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts145.pdf).

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Uranium is a naturally occurring, mildly radioactive element found in rocks, soil, air and water. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to uranium can damage the kidneys and possibly the lungs (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts150.pdf).

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Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in rocks, soil, water, plants, and animals. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Exposure to high levels of thorium can cause lung disease and has been associated with lung, pancreatic, and blood cancers (ATSDR ToxFAQs: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts147.pdf).

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Ozone is formed from a reaction between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which include petroleum hydrocarbons and aldehydes, in the presence of sunlight. Occurrence and severity of symptoms will be dependent on the concentration, duration, and frequency of exposure. Inhalation of ozone may cause coughing, throat irritation, pain, burning, or discomfort in the chest when taking a deep breath, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath, and increased asthma attacks (http://www.epa.gov/apti/ozonehealth/population.html)

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