Dames & Moore, 1999 - USDA Forest Service

Constituent
Selenium
Zinc
Gasoline
Acute Toxicity Summary
Acute exposure can produce CNS effects including
nervousness, drowsiness, and convulsions, and eye and
nasal irritation.
Acute adverse effects of zinc include: metal fume fever by
inhalation of fumes; and fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach
cramps, and diarrhea from ingestion.
Acute inhalation exposures to 500 ppm resulted in central
nervous system effects including headache, dizziness,
nausea and drowsiness. At higher concentrations,
anesthesia, loss of reflexes, convulsions, delirium,
unconsciousness, and coma may occur.
TABLE 7.1-44 (CONTINUED)
TOXICITY PROFILES FOR INDICATOR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Chronic Toxicity Summary
Chronic inhalation exposure to selenium-
containing compounds can result in pallor,
coated tongue, gastrointestinal disorders,
nervousness, garlic breath, liver and spleen
damage, anemia, and mucosal irritation.
Discoloration, decayed teeth, skin eruptions,
gastrointestinal distress, and loss of hair and
nails have been reported in humans exposed
orally. In livestock, excess intake can cause
blind staggers--impaired vision, weak limbs,
respiratory failure--and alkali disease--hair
loss, sterility, atrophy of hooves, lameness,
and anemia. Selenium is embryotoxic and
teratogenic in animals.
Prolonged ingestion of zinc can result in
irritability, muscular stiffness and pain, loss
of appetite, and nausea. High levels of zinc
in diet may retard growth and produce
defective mineralization of bone.
Animal studies indicate that chronic
inhalation exposures to gasoline resulted in a
reduction in body weight gain.
Cancer Potential
Selenium is carcinogenic in
laboratory animals, but may be
anticarcinogenic and protective in
humans.
Zinc is not known to be
carcinogenic in humans or
laboratory animals.
Animal studies have shown an
increase in renal tumors and
sarcomas in rats and
hepatocellular tumors in mice.
IARC has classified gasoline as a
Group 2B possible human
carcinogen. USEPA concluded
that gasoline is a Group C
possible human carcinogen. In
vitro assays are generally
nonpositive.
Other
Se!enium is an essential element in
humans. Its toxicity is related to
chemical form.
Zinc is an essential nutrient in human
nutrition. The taste threshold is 15
ppm in water; 40 ppm soluble zinc
salts in water imparts a metallic taste.
There is a possible indication of
developmental toxicity associated with
gasoline.
DAMES & MOORE