Benzene in Alaska what does it mean to you

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Benzene in Alaskawhat does it mean to you

• Mary Ellen Gordian, MD, MPH
• Institute of Social and Economic Research,
• University of Alaska Anchorage

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Benzene is an Air Toxic

• Benzene is a common solvent that is found in
  gasoline.
• In high concentrations it causes coma.
• In chronic exposures it is known to affect the
  blood cell production causing such diseases as
  aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and
  leukemias.

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Why is it here?

• Alaskan gasoline is refined in Alaska from crude
  oil that contains as much as 7 benzene.
• There is no market for benzene in Alaska.
• Benzene is not regulated under the Clean Air Act.
• There is currently no restriction of benzene in
  gasoline.
• Our gasoline is 5 benzene.

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Ambient air benzene