THE EFFECTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON THE BODY

How We Are Exposed to Chemicals Chemicals enter the body by: INHALATION: breathing in ABSORPTION: through the skin and eyes INGESTION: eating and swallowing

Inhalation Chemicals can be found in the air in the form of dust, mist, fumes, gas or vapour and can be inhaled.

Absorption Chemicals in liquid form, and dust can be absorbed through the skin. Eyes can also absorb chemicals from splashes or vapours.

Ingestion Gases, dust, vapours, fumes, and liquids may be ingested by swallowing particles in the air.

Health Risk Categories DRY CHEMICALS: small particles that can penetrate into the lungs very easily. They can destroy lung tissue and cause lung cancer. e.g. Asbestos

Asbestos Thin fibrous crystals Used for its sound absorption, average tensile strength, and its resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage Prolonged inhalation of asbestos can lead to lung cancer

Health Risk Categories SOLVENTS: can enter through the skin by inhaling fumes when burned. Can irritate the skin. Endangers the liver, kidneys, or nervous system. e.g. Benzene

Benzene An organic chemical compound that is colorless and highly flammable with a sweet smell Used mainly as an intermediate to make other chemicals such as rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, explosives, and pesticides. Causes cancer in both animals and humans.

Health Risks Categories METALS: enter the body in the form of dust and fumes or through the skin; usually by grinding or welding. May cause damage to the nervous system. Can cause cancer, or birth defects. e.g. Lead or Mercury

Lead A highly poisonous metal affecting almost every organ and system in the body The main target for lead toxicity is the nervous system Long-term exposure to lead or its salts can cause kidney failure, abdominal pains, weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles. Exposure to high lead levels can severely damage the brain and kidneys

Health Risks Categories ACIDS AND BASES: can splash the skin Acids can corrode human tissues. Bases are caustic. e.g. Ammonia or Sulfuric acid

Sulfuric Acid Sulfuric acid has a wide range of applications including domestic acidic drain cleaner, electrolyte in lead-acid batteries and various cleaning agents. Sulfuric acid is capable of causing very severe burns

Health Risk Categories PESTICIDES: can enter the body in a variety of ways. Can accumulate and poison humans and the environment. e.g. DDT

DDT A white, crystalline solid, that is tasteless and almost odourless Can damage genetic material Can disrupt the endocrine system Has been linked to diabetes

EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES The parts of the body that can be affected by exposure to chemicals: Brain and Nervous System Skin Lung Liver Circulatory System Kidneys Gastrointestinal Tract Bones

EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES TOXICITY: the ability of a substance to cause harmful effects. EXPOSURE: depends on the concentration (the amount) of the hazardous chemical and on the amount of contact time.

EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES ACUTE: quick effect may be experienced after a short exposure. Example: a burn.

EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES CHRONIC: repeated exposure and involves a delay between exposure and any health symptoms. Example: Liver cancer developing as a result to exposure to benzene.

Personal Protection EYES: goggles, welding mask etc. SKIN: lab coat, gloves, etc. LUNGS: respirator mask, dust mask etc. BODY: lab coat, coveralls, hazmat suit, etc.

First Aid If You… INHALE a chemical: INGEST a chemical: Get to fresh air. If the affected person has lost consciousness, give CPR. INGEST a chemical: You may be required to throw up. If not, drink lots of water to flush out the material.

First Aid If You… Get a chemical on your SKIN: Flush the exposed skin with water for at least 15 minutes. Get a chemical in your EYES: Flush eyes continuously with water for at least 15 minutes while rolling your eyes around.