© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Chapter 4 Gases, Vapors, Particulates, and Toxic Metals

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Physical Hazards A chemical that falls into one of the following categories: compressed gas, explosive, flammable gas, oxidizer, pyrophoric, or unstable.

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Asphyxiants Simple asphyxiant – gases that displace the oxygen content in the air. Inert gases. Chemical asphyxiant – Gases that prevent cells from using oxygen or prevent the blood from supplying oxygen.

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Anesthetic gases – Have a numbing effect and will cause the loss of sensation and unconsciousness. Systemic poisons: 1. Arsine – blood cells and liver 2.Benzene – bone marrow 3.Hydrogen sulfide – respiratory system 4.Mercury – nervous system, kidneys, glands

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Health Hazards Carcinogens – are known cancer causers Mutagen – a chemical that is suspected to have the properties required to change or alter the genetic structure of a living cell. Teratogen – a substance that is suspected to have an adverse effect on the development of a human fetus.

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Bhopal – Union Carbide A large vapor cloud composed of methyl isocyanate (MIC) escaped. 1,400 people died. This was the first time in modern chemical manufacturing history an event had taken place near a populated area showing how vulnerable a community can be to CPI hazards.

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Figure 4-2 Flow Diagram of the Process that Caused the Disaster

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Bhopal Mistakes: The vent gas scrubber and flare system was undersized. The refrigeration system was dismantled. Faulty alarms and instrumentation. A jumper line was installed. Stainless steel was not used to save money.

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Particulates Small liquid or solid particles dispersed through the air. Various concentrations will have differing effects. Coal dust caused Black Lung.

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Dust and Gases Any type of dust can be potentially dangerous if sufficient quantities are inhaled. Two types of respiratory protection programs: air purifying and air supplying.

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Dust explosions Occur when particle concentrations are detonated from a single spark. Almost anything will burn if broken down into small enough parts. Dust acts as fuel in Fire Triangle.

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Figure 4-5 Examples of Gaseous Hazards

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Figure 4-6 Harmful Effects of Toxic Metals

© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Metallic compounds can be as dangerous as the purer form if not more dangerous depending on how the chemical is introduced into the human system. Class D fires involve fires caused by metals. The proper fire extinguishers must be used for these types of fires.