1. Central Nervous System and Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
Welcome to this presentation on Chemical Exposure to Chemicals in the Workplace and their affect on the Central Nervous System authored by Chemscape.
Central Nervous System and Chemical Exposure in the Workplace

2. Objectives of this presentation
Gain a better awareness and understanding of the central nervous system and how it is affected by chemicals in the workplace.
Identify potential risk factors for exposure.
Retain safety messages to help prevent exposure in the workplace.
This presentation is intended for you to gain a better awareness and understanding of the central nervous system and how it is affected by chemicals in the workplace. It will identify potential risk factors for exposure. It will provide safety messages on how to prevent exposure in the workplace.

3. The Central Nervous System
Central Nervous System – Brain and Spinal Chord
Peripheral Nervous System – Nerve fibres that attach to and lie outside the brain and spinal chord.
Your nervous system consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is the processing centre that contains the brain and spinal cord. It receives and sends messages throughout the body using the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is a complex network of nerve fibers that attach to and lie outside the brain and spinal cord.
The nervous system has two components, motor and sensory, that receive and send information throughout the body, from and to, the central nervous system.
The brain is the organ of thought, emotion, and processing of the various senses and communicates with and controls various other systems and functions.

4. Chemical Exposure and the CNS
The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen. Some toxic chemicals interfere with the functioning of the CNS and disrupt the oxygen supply.
The first warning signs of exposure are often dizziness and drowsiness.
The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen. Some toxic chemicals interfere with the functioning of the central nervous system and disrupt the oxygen supply. The first warning signs are dizziness and drowsiness. Warning signs should be heeded immediately and appropriate action taken. For example, you should immediately leave the area and seek medical assistance. The operations of the nervous system are very complicated. It is a delicately balanced system and several chemicals can damage it.

5. The Hazards of Solvents
Solvents damage the CNS through their ability to cause narcosis or depression of the central nervous system. Symptoms:
headache
light-headedness
drowsiness
unconsciousness
Solvents are the most common substances that cause damage to the CNS in the workplace. Solvents damage the CNS through their ability to cause narcosis or depression of the central nervous system.
Central nervous system depression covers effects such as headache, light-headedness, drowsiness, and unconsciousness. The organ affected is the brain and the result is depressed performance. Many solvents such as toluene, xylene, ether, and acetone produce this effect if the vapour concentration is high enough. Workers exposed to these chemicals in cleaning solvents, paints, thinners, and degreasers may have experienced these effects.

6. Real Life Story
Three workers were sandblasting the inside of a chemical storage vessel when they began to experience symptoms of giddiness and became incoherent. One worker lost consciousness for several minutes. In the ER, this patient was completely unaware of the incident. He did not recognize his wife or children when they arrived. His symptoms persisted for months, suffering from difficulty concentrating, sleep and mood disturbance, and severe memory impairment. A year later he still was experiencing symptoms.
Three workers were sandblasting the inside of a chemical storage vessel when they began to experience symptoms of giddiness and became incoherent. One worker lost consciousness for several minutes.
In the ER, this patient was completely unaware of the incident. He did not recognize his wife or children when they arrived.
His symptoms persisted for months, suffering from difficulty concentrating, sleep and mood disturbance, and severe memory impairment.
A year later he still was experiencing symptoms.

7. Methylene chloride Acetone
Chemical Name
Potential Health Effects/Symptoms Associated with Toxicity (Note: not a complete listing of symptoms)
Methylene chloride
Mild central nervous system depressant. May cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination and confusion, unconsciousness and death.
Causes skin and eye irritation.
Acetone
Mild central nervous system depressant.
Very high concentrations may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination and confusion.
Causes eye irritation.
Swallowing or vomiting of the liquid may result in aspiration into the lungs.
source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Toxic materials are often used in the workplace. The table provides an example of two common workplace materials that meet one or more of the criteria to be considered "toxic" as well as some of potential health effects associated with that chemical.

8. Factors that affect exposure
The material
Concentration of the material
Route of exposure
Amount absorbed by body (dose)
Individual sensitivity
Toxic materials can cause serious health effects in an exposed individual. The degree of hazard associated with any toxic material is related to the exact material you are exposed to, concentration of the material, the route into the body and the amount absorbed by the body (the dose). Individual susceptibility of the user also plays a role.

9. Health effects of toxic materials
Acute effects Health effects that occur immediately after a single exposure, generally a relatively high exposure. Chronic effects Health effects will not occur until some point after the exposure (hours, days, months or even years afterwards). Chronic effects tend to occur over a longer period of time and involve lower exposures (e.g., exposure to a smaller amount over time). Toxic materials can have acute and chronic health effects and have other hazards associated with it. i.e. corrosive and flammable
The health effects may occur immediately or the effects may be delayed. Health effects that occur immediately after a single exposure are called acute effects. In other cases, health effects will not occur until some point after the exposure. This is called a chronic effect. A chronic effect may occur hours, days, months or even years after exposure. Generally, acute effects are caused by a single, relatively high exposure. Chronic effects tend to occur over a longer period of time and involve lower exposures (e.g., exposure to a smaller amount over time). Some toxic materials can have both acute and chronic health effects.
It is important to remember that toxic materials can have other hazards associated with it. For example, a toxic material may also be corrosive and flammable.

10. Recognizing Toxic Hazard Symbols
WHMIS 1988
WHMIS 2015 (GHS)
Hazard Class D -- Poisonous and Infectious Materials
Toxic materials are categorized under the Health Hazards.
Division 1 (D1) contains "Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects
D1A are "Very Toxics"
D1B are "Toxics"
acute toxicity (e.g. LD50, LC50)
skin irritation/corrosion
serious eye damage/eye irritation
respiratory or skin sensitization
mutagens
carcinogens
reproductive toxicity specific target organ toxicity - single exposure
specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure
aspiration hazard
chemical mixtures
Division 2 (D2) is for "Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
D2A are "Very Toxics"
D2B are "Toxics"
Under WHMIS 1988, toxic materials are part of Hazard Class D -- Poisonous and Infectious Materials.
Since toxic materials can cause acute (short-term) health effects as well as chronic (long-term) health effects, WHMIS has a division for each. It is possible for a toxic material to be classified in both categories.
Division 1 (D1) contains "Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects". It is represented by the skull and crossbones WHMIS 1988 symbol shown.
These materials can cause immediate and serious health effects.
Within this division, there is the "Very Toxics" D1A and the "Toxics" D1B. In simplest terms, D1A substances require much less material to produce a fatal effect.
Division 2 (D2) is for "Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects". It is represented by the toxic T WHMIS 1988 symbol. These materials have toxic effects but these effects may be delayed.
Within this division, there is the "Very Toxics" D2A and the "Toxics" D2B. The "Toxic" group here also includes products that produce immediate but less serious reversible effects.
The health effects for D2A very toxic materials include: severe chronic toxic effects, reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity and respiratory sensitization.
The health effects considered for toxic materials (D2B) include: chronic toxic effects, skin or eye irritation, skin sensitization and mutagens.
The GHS system has set up a method for classifying toxic and very toxic materials using the following health hazard classes:
acute toxicity (e.g. LD50, LC50)
skin irritation/corrosion
serious eye damage/eye irritation
respiratory or skin sensitization
mutagens
carcinogens
reproductive toxicity
specific target organ toxicity - single exposure
specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure
aspiration hazard
chemical mixtures

11. Key to eliminating risks when working with all hazardous substances… Education and Prevention
A key to eliminating risks when working with all hazardous substances is education and prevention.
By educating yourself on chemicals in the workplace and learning how to reduce exposures one can work safely to control the hazards of any substance or agent.

12. How to Identify Toxins in the Workplace
Ask your supervisor or administrator for a list of chemicals in your workplace that are toxic to the Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System.
Supervisors and administrators can use the msdsBinders system to identify chemicals in their MSDS that contain Carcinogens.
A list of all MSDS that contain carcinogens can be produced. You can download the list and print it out for workers.
This is an Administrator’s function.
This list should be reviewed with this video so you understand what products in your workplace can affect your Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System.

13. How Exposure Occurs in the Workplace
Common routes of exposure:
Inhalation – breathing gases, dust or vapours
Absorption through the skin
Accidental Ingestion with food
Toxic materials may enter the body in different ways. These ways are called the route of exposure. The most common route of exposure is through inhalation (breathing it into the lungs). Another common route of entry is through skin contact. Some materials can easily pass through unprotected skin and enter the body. Ingestion is another, less common, route of exposure in the workplace. Ingestion often occurs accidentally through poor hygiene practices (e.g. eating food or smoking a cigarette using contaminated hands).
By being vigilant at the work and taking precautions to minimize exposure everyone can reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

14. Safe Work Practises to Protect Yourself from Chemical Exposure at Work
Chemscape has put together a list of 10 safe work practices you can do to protect yourself from chemical exposure in the workplace.

15. #1- Eliminate or Substitute
Elimination or substitution of hazardous material
Hazardous chemicals can sometimes be substituted with less dangerous chemicals. Ask yourself if you really need to use this chemical for the job, or is there a safer option?
Dispose of unused chemicals. This eliminates the hazard.
# 1 - The most effective way to reduce your workplace exposure is by eliminating hazardous materials or substituting them with less hazardous materials. Ask yourself if you really need to use this chemical for the job, or is there a safer option?
Dispose of chemicals from your inventory that are no longer used. This eliminates the hazard.

16. #2- Review a Chemical’s Safety Data Sheet and Label
Access a product’s SDS through your msdsBinders account.
An SDS contains information on the chemical you are working with as well as proper handling instructions.
#2 - Understand the chemical you are working with. This can be done by accessing the safety data sheet in msdsBinders for information on the chemical. It will contain information on proper handling instructions. Ask your supervisor for clarification if necessary.

17. #3 – Follow the Engineering Controls
Engineering controls can include:
isolation
enclosure
local exhaust ventilation
process or equipment modification
#3 – Follow all the prescribed engineering controls for the product. Read the SDS to review. Engineering controls are only effective if used properly. A hood or intake, at or over the source of exposure, draws contaminated air from the source so that it cannot spread into the room and into your breathing zone. If you are working in a ventilated area, it is important to ensure the ventilation system is working properly at all times. If the ventilation system becomes faulty, leave the work area and inform your supervisor immediately.

18. #4 - Use PPE Correctly
It is important that you use the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
SmartCharts can be used to identify the required PPE.
#4 - It is important that you use the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In msdsBinders you can download a SmartChart like this one. These charts can be posted at work stations, in chemical storage areas and on the front cover of your msdsBinders. A quick look at the chart will communicate to all chemical users which PPE is required on the job. The PPE symbols listed here must be added by an administrator after reviewing how these products are used. Once completed anyone can use this to help with hazard assessments. You will see there are different icons for different types of PPE including eye and face protection.

19. # 5 – Practise Good Housekeeping
Wash after finishing work and preferably before coming home.
Immediately change soiled clothes to prevent contact with skin.
Remove work clothes before eating and before leaving work.
Use a change area separate from the work area.
Keep work clothes clean. If you take work clothes home to be cleaned, put them in a plastic bag, and transport in the trunk of your vehicle.
Keep work clothes away from other laundry and wash them separately to protect your family.
Do not take tools, scrap, chemicals, packaging, and similar items home.
It is also very important to store all chemicals safely as per your company’s policies. Dispose of unwanted chemicals safely.
#5 Practise good housekeeping to ensure you do not take contaminants home.
Wash after finishing work and preferably before coming home.
Immediately change soiled clothes to prevent contact with skin.
Remove work clothes before eating and before leaving work.
Use a change area separate from the work area.
Keep work clothes clean. If you take work clothes home to be cleaned, put them in a plastic bag, and transport in the trunk of your vehicle.
Keep work clothes away from other laundry and wash them separately to protect your family.
Do not take tools, scrap, chemicals, packaging, and similar items home.
It is also very important to store all chemicals safely as per your company’s policies. Dispose of unwanted chemicals safely.

20. # 6 – Practise Good Hygiene
Keep hands and sleeves away from your lips and mouth.
Don’t eat, chew or drink in the work area.
Always wash your hands and face thoroughly with soap and water before eating or drinking and after using the washroom.
Avoid breathing chemical
vapours.
Avoid skin contact with
chemicals.
# 6 – Practise Good Hygiene
Keep hands and sleeves away from your lips and mouth.
Don’t eat, chew or drink in the work area.
Always wash your hands and face thoroughly with soap and water before eating or drinking and after using the washroom.
Avoid breathing chemical vapours.
Avoid skin contact with chemicals.

21. #7 - Education and Training
Be knowledgeable about the hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace.
Participate in training and monitoring programs.
Ensure your WHMIS training is up-to-date.
# 7 - Employee education and training. Be knowledgeable about the hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace. Participate in training and monitoring programs. Ensure your WHMIS training is up-to-date.

22. Summary
In conclusion, your central nervous system is a vital organ that needs protection from chemical exposure in the workplace.
Use the knowledge you have gained from this presentation to protect yourself from chemical exposure in the work place and in your personal life.
It’s your brain so use it!
Do all you can to protect yourself from exposure.
In conclusion, your central nervous system is a vital organ that needs protection from chemical exposure in the workplace. Use the knowledge you have gained from this presentation to protect yourself from chemical exposure in the work place and in your personal life.
It’s your brain so use it! Do all you can to protect yourself from exposure.

23. Contact us if you have any questions 403-720-6737 support@chemscape
Contact us if you have any questions
If you have further questions regarding this health topic, please contact your Chemscape representative.

24. Resources National Toxicology Program http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention