Chemical hazard

Non-biological hazards of hazardous materials
A video on how exposure sampling works during a health hazard evaluation
A chemical burn
Occupational hazards
  • Physical
  • Chemical
  • Biological
  • Psychosocial
Hierarchy of hazard controls
  • Elimination
  • Substitution
  • Engineering controls
  • Administrative controls
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Prevention through design
Occupational hygiene
  • Occupational exposure limit
  • Exposure assessment
  • Workplace exposure monitoring
Study
  • Occupational toxicology
  • Occupational epidemiology
  • Workplace health surveillance
  • v
  • t
  • e

Chemical hazards are typical of hazardous chemicals and hazardous materials in general. Exposure to certain chemicals can cause acute or long-term adverse health effects. Chemical hazards are usually classified separately from biological hazards (biohazards). Main classifications of chemical hazards include asphyxiants, corrosives, irritants, sensitizers, carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, reactants, and flammables.[1] In the workplace, exposure to chemical hazards is a type of occupational hazard. The use of protective personal equipment (PPE) may substantially reduce the risk of damage from contact with hazardous materials.[2]

Long-term exposure to chemical hazards such as silica dust, engine exhausts, tobacco smoke, and lead (among others) have been shown to increase risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.[3]

Types of chemical hazard

Hazard Example
Flammable and combustible liquids Diesel
Compressed gases Propane
Explosives TNT
Organic peroxides Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (used in the manufacturing of polyester)
Reactives Benzoyl peroxide (used as a bleaching agent)
Oxidizers Potassium permanganate (used as an industrial disinfectant and sterilizer)
Pyrophorics White phosphorus
Carcinogens Benzene (feed-stock for many petrochemical processes)
Reproductive toxins Lead, dioxins
Teratogens Thalidomide (immunomodulatory drug)
Irritants Hydrochloric acid (used in food manufacturing and ore processing)
Corrosives Sulfuric acid (used to manufacture chemicals)
Sensitizers Latex
Hepatotoxins Trichlorethylene (used in metal degreasing and dry-cleaning, historically in anaesthesia)
Nephrotoxins Naproxen (an NSAID)
Radioactive materials Uranium salts, plutonium

Routes of exposure

The most common exposure route to chemicals in the work environment is through inhalation.[4] Gas, vapour, mist, dust, fumes, and smoke can all be inhaled. Those with occupations involving physical work may inhale higher levels of chemicals if working in an area with contaminated air. This is because workers who do physical work will exchange over 10,000 litres of air over an 8-hour day, while workers who do not do physical work will exchange only 2,800 litres.[5] If the air is contaminated in the workplace, more air exchange will lead to the inhalation of higher amounts of chemicals.[citation needed]

Chemicals may be ingested when food or drink is contaminated by unwashed hands or from clothing or poor handling practices.[6]

Chemical exposure to the skin is a common workplace injury and may also occur in domestic situations with chemicals such as bleach or drain-cleaners. The exposure of chemicals to the skin most often results in local irritation to the exposed area.[7] In some exposures, the chemical will be absorbed through the skin and will result in poisoning.[7] The eyes have a strong sensitivity to chemicals, and are consequently an area of high concern for chemical exposure. Chemical exposure to the eyes results in irritation and may result in burns and vision loss.[8]

Injection is an uncommon method of chemical exposure in the workplace. Chemicals can be injected into the skin when a worker is punctured by a sharp object, such as a needle. Chemical exposure through injection may result in the chemical entering directly into the bloodstream.[9]

Symbols of chemical hazards

Hazard pictographs are a type of labeling system that alerts people at a glance that there are hazardous chemicals present. The symbols help identify whether the chemicals that are going to be in use may potentially cause physical harm, or harm to the environment. The symbols are distinctive, as they are shaped like diamonds with red borders. These signs can be divided into:

  • Explosive (exploding bomb)
  • Flammable (flame)
  • Oxidizing (flame above a circle)
  • Corrosive (corrosion of table and hand)
  • Acute toxicity (skull and crossbones)
  • Hazardous to environment (dead tree and fish)
  • Health hazard/hazardous to the ozone layer (exclamation mark)
  • Serious health hazard (cross on a human silhouette)
  • Gas under pressure (gas cylinder)[10]

These pictographs are also subdivided into class and categories for each classification. The assignments for each chemical depends on their type and their severity.

Controlling chemical exposure

Elimination and substitution

Chemical exposure is estimated to have caused approximately 190,000 illnesses and 50,000 deaths of workers annually.[11] There exists an unknown link between chemical exposure and subsequent illness and/or death. Therefore, the majority of these illnesses and deaths are thought to be caused by a lack of knowledge and/or awareness concerning the dangers of chemicals. The best method of controlling chemical exposure within the workplace is through the elimination or the substitution of all chemicals that are thought or known to cause illness and/or death.[citation needed]

Engineering controls

Although the elimination and the substitution of the harmful chemicals is the best known method for controlling chemical exposure, there are other methods that can be implemented to diminish exposure. The implementation of engineering controls is an example of another method for controlling chemical exposures. When engineer controls are implemented, there is a physical change made to the work environment that will eliminate or reduce the risk to chemical exposure. An example of engineer controls is the enclosure or isolation of the process that creates the chemical hazard.[citation needed]

Administrative controls and safe work practices

If the process that creates the chemical hazard cannot be enclosed or isolated, the next best method is the implementation of administrative and work practices controls. This is the establishment of administrative and work practices that will reduce the amount of time and how often the workers will be exposed to the chemical hazard. An example of administrative and work practices controls is the establishment of work schedules in which workers have rotating job assignments. This will ensure that all workers have limited exposure to chemical hazards.[citation needed]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employers should provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect their workers from chemicals used within the workplace. The use of PPE prevents workers from being exposed to chemicals through the routes of exposure—inhalation, absorption through skin and/or eyes, ingestion, and injection. One example of how PPE usage can prevent chemical exposure concerns respirators. If workers wear respirators, they will prevent the exposure of chemicals through inhalation.[citation needed]

First aid

In case of an emergency, it is recommended to understand first aid procedures in order to minimize any damage. Different types of chemicals can cause a variety of damage. Most sources agree that it is best to rinse any contacted skin or eye with water immediately. Currently, there is insufficient evidence of how long the rinsing should be done, as the degree of impacts will vary for substances such as corrosive chemicals. However, the recommended flush time is as follows:

  • 5 minutes - non- to mild irritants
  • 15 minutes - moderate to severe irritants and chemicals that cause acute toxicity
  • 30 minutes - most corrosives
  • 60 minutes - strong alkalis such as sodium, potassium or calcium hydroxide

Transporting the affected person to a health care facility may be important, depending on condition. In the case that the victim needs to be transported before the recommended flush time, then flushing should be done during the transportation process. Some chemical manufacturers may state the specific type of cleansing agent that is recommended.[12]

Long-term risks

Cancers

Cardiovascular disease

A 2017 SBU report found evidence that workplace exposure to silica dust, engine exhaust or welding fumes is associated with heart disease.[3] Associations also exist for exposure to arsenic, benzopyrenes, lead, dynamite, carbon disulfide, carbon monoxide, metalworking fluids and occupational exposure to tobacco smoke.[3] Working with the electrolytic production of aluminium, or the production of paper when the sulphate pulping process is used, is associated with heart disease.[3] An association was also found between heart disease and exposure to compounds which are no longer permitted in certain work environments, such as phenoxy acids containing TCDD (dioxin) or asbestos.[3]

Workplace exposure to silica dust or asbestos is also associated with pulmonary heart disease. There is evidence that workplace exposure to lead, carbon disulphide, or phenoxyacids containing TCDD, as well as working in an environment where aluminium is being electrolytically produced, are associated with stroke.[3]

See also

  • Biocontainment – Physical containment of pathogenic organisms or agents in microbiology laboratories
  • Biological agent – Pathogen that can be weaponized
  • Biosafety level – Set of biocontainment precautions
  • Chemical safety – Safety of activities involving chemicals
  • Health hazard – Hazards that would affect the health of exposed persons.
  • Hierarchy of hazard controls – System used in industry to eliminate or minimize exposure to hazards
  • Occupational exposure banding – Process to assign chemicals into categories corresponding to permissible exposure concentrations
  • Occupational hazard – Hazard experienced in the workplace
  • Planetary protection – Prevention of interplanetary biological contamination
  • Process safety – Discipline dealing with the study and management of fires, explosions and toxic gas clouds from hazardous materials in process plants.
  • Public health – Promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society and individuals

References

  1. ^ "Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - NIOSH - CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2022-10-21. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
  2. ^ "Chapter 8 - Chemical Hazards". sp.ehs.cornell.edu. Archived from the original on 2019-04-22. Retrieved 2016-02-02.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Occupational health and safety – chemical exposure". www.sbu.se. Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU). Archived from the original on 2017-06-06. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  4. ^ Hansen, Doan J. (1993-12-17). The Work Environment: Indoor Health Hazards. CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-87371-393-1. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  5. ^ Government of Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (2020-11-12). "Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety". www.ccohs.ca. Archived from the original on 2022-06-29. Retrieved 2020-12-01.
  6. ^ Collier, Ellie (2019-08-26). "What Are The 4 Types Of Food Contamination?". The Hub - High Speed Training. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  7. ^ a b "Skin Exposures and Effects - NIOSH - CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2022-11-09. Retrieved 2023-07-28.
  8. ^ "Chemical Injury to the Eye". Harvard Health. 2018-12-05. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  9. ^ Government of Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (2023-02-28). "How Workplace Chemicals Enter the Body : OSH Answers". www.ccohs.ca. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  10. ^ "Hazard symbols and hazard pictograms - Chemical classification". hse.gov.uk. Health and Safety Executive. Retrieved 2016-02-11.
  11. ^ "Why Transition? - Transitioning to Safer Chemicals - Occupational Safety and Health Administration". www.osha.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-01.
  12. ^ "First Aid for Chemical Exposures : OSH Answers". www.ccohs.ca. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  • v
  • t
  • e
Occupational
diseases
and injuries
Occupational
hygiene
Professions
Agencies and
organizations
International
National
Standards
Safety
Legislation
See also
  • Category
    • Occupational diseases
    • Journals
    • Organizations
  • Commons
  • Glossary
  • v
  • t
  • e
Basic equipment
Breathing gas
Buoyancy and
trim equipment
Decompression
equipment
Diving suit
Helmets
and masks
Instrumentation
Mobility
equipment
Safety
equipment
Underwater
breathing
apparatus
Open-circuit
scuba
Diving rebreathers
Surface-supplied
diving equipment
Diving
equipment
manufacturers
Access equipment
Breathing gas
handling
Decompression
equipment
Platforms
Underwater
habitat
Remotely operated
underwater vehicles
Safety equipment
General
Activities
Competitions
Equipment
Freedivers
Hazards
Historical
Organisations
Occupations
Military
diving
Military
diving
units
Underwater
work
Salvage diving
  • SS Egypt
  • Kronan
  • La Belle
  • SS Laurentic
  • RMS Lusitania
  • Mars
  • Mary Rose
  • USS Monitor
  • HMS Royal George
  • Vasa
Diving
contractors
Tools and
equipment
Underwater
weapons
Underwater
firearm
Specialties
Diver
organisations
Diving tourism
industry
Diving events
and festivals
Diving
hazards
Consequences
Diving
procedures
Risk
management
Diving team
Equipment
safety
Occupational
safety and
health
Diving
disorders
Pressure
related
Oxygen
Inert gases
Carbon dioxide
Breathing gas
contaminants
Immersion
related
Treatment
Personnel
Screening
Research
Researchers in
diving physiology
and medicine
Diving medical
research
organisations
Law
Archeological
sites
Underwater art
and artists
Engineers
and inventors
Historical
equipment
Diver
propulsion
vehicles
Military and
covert operations
  • Raid on Alexandria (1941)
  • Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior
Scientific projects
Awards and events
Incidents
Dive boat incidents
  • Sinking of MV Conception
Diver rescues
Early diving
Freediving fatalities
Offshore
diving incidents
  • Byford Dolphin diving bell accident
  • Drill Master diving accident
  • Star Canopus diving accident
  • Stena Seaspread diving accident
  • Venture One diving accident
  • Waage Drill II diving accident
  • Wildrake diving accident
Professional
diving fatalities
Scuba diving
fatalities
Publications
Manuals
  • NOAA Diving Manual
  • U.S. Navy Diving Manual
  • Basic Cave Diving: A Blueprint for Survival
  • Underwater Handbook
  • Bennett and Elliott's physiology and medicine of diving
  • Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving
  • The new science of skin and scuba diving
  • Professional Diver's Handbook
  • Basic Scuba
Standards and
Codes of Practice
General non-fiction
Research
Dive guides
Training and registration
Diver
training
Skills
Recreational
scuba
certification
levels
Core diving skills
Leadership skills
Specialist skills
Diver training
certification
and registration
organisations
Commercial diver
certification
authorities
Commercial diving
schools
Free-diving
certification
agencies
Recreational
scuba
certification
agencies
Scientific diver
certification
authorities
Technical diver
certification
agencies
Cave
diving
Military diver
training centres
Military diver
training courses
Surface snorkeling
Snorkeling/breath-hold
Breath-hold
Open Circuit Scuba
Rebreather
  • Underwater photography
Sports governing
organisations
and federations
Competitions
Pioneers
of diving
Underwater
scientists
archaeologists and
environmentalists
Scuba record
holders
Underwater
filmmakers
and presenters
Underwater
photographers
Underwater
explorers
Aquanauts
Writers and journalists
Rescuers
Frogmen
Commercial salvors
Diving
physics
Diving
physiology
Decompression
theory
Diving
environment
Classification
Impact
Other
Deep-submergence
vehicle
  • Aluminaut
  • DSV Alvin
  • American submarine NR-1
  • Bathyscaphe
    • Archimède
    • FNRS-2
    • FNRS-3
    • Harmony class bathyscaphe
    • Sea Pole-class bathyscaphe
    • Trieste II
  • Deepsea Challenger
  • Ictineu 3
  • JAGO
  • Jiaolong
  • Konsul-class submersible
  • Limiting Factor
  • Russian submarine Losharik
  • Mir
  • Nautile
  • Pisces-class deep submergence vehicle
  • DSV Sea Cliff
  • DSV Shinkai
  • DSV Shinkai 2000
  • DSV Shinkai 6500
  • DSV Turtle
  • DSV-5 Nemo
Submarine rescue
Deep-submergence
rescue vehicle
Submarine escape
Escape set
Special
interest
groups
Neutral buoyancy
facilities for
Astronaut training
Other
Portal:
  •  Chemistry