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CHEMICAL HAZARDS
• 22% of workers inhale fumes and vapors for at least a quarter of their working
time • 21% of U.S. workers are exposed to known carcinogens such as benzene (in
fuel) and silica. (32 million) • 16% of workers handle or come into contact wit
h dyes, pesticides, chromium VI (through wet cement) • Two-thirds of the 30,000
most commonly used chemicals in the U.S. not so subject to full and systematic t
oxicological tests. • For substances with known toxicological risks,
only 12% of firms comply with risk prevention.
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The inspection, control and handling of chemicals must be made very carefully in
order to protect workers. It is important to deepen our knowledge about the che
mical hazards in the workplace, especially when its possible long-term effects.
Many of the current cases of cancer
professional had their origin
work environments for over two decades ago.
Will thus address the ways in which different chemicals and different methods of
manipulation can affect us, besides examining what measures should be adopted f
or effective protection. Will be discussed: chemicals and their risks Atmosphe
ric pollutants Gas Liquids and vapors Metals Exposure Limits Prevent
ive Personal protective equipment
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We are exposed to chemicals via various channels, such as:
A chemical may be harmful in several ways:
respiration
Inhalation
by contact with skin
Absorption
Ingestion
to swallow
Our body has a certain capacity for disposal of hazardous substances. The liver
and kidneys encarregamse this work, but if we are exposed to a chemical for a lo
ng period of time, our defenses may not be able to neutralize it or delete it.
The substance remains, then stored in our body and may cause health problems. Le
ad and cadmium are examples of this. The first takes too long to be decomposed i
n the body and the second or decomposes.
One must distinguish between an acute (short term) and chronic intoxication (lon
g term).
An acute poisoning in general, is quickly perceived by their short-term effects.
The most common are: dizziness, headaches and vomiting.
Acute Accident
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The answer may be:
- Acute - the acute effects are fast. - Chronic - chronic effects are permanent
and durable.
Bioaccumulation:
Increasing the concentration of chemical in the body.
Biomagnification:
Increasing the concentration of chemical passed through the food chain.
Solid Steam
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Nitrogen (N2) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Oxygen (O2) ... ..
. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Argon (Ar) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... .. Carbon dioxide (CO2) ... ... ... ... ... Neon (Ne) ... ... ... ... .
.. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. Helium (He) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..
. ... ... Methane (CH4) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .... Krypton (Kr) ..
. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Xenon (Xe) ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... Carbon monoxide (CO) ... ... ... ... Hydrogen (H) ... ... ... .
.. ... ... ... ... ... ... Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) ... ... ... ... ... ...
78.09 20.94 0.93 0.035 0.0018 00005 0.0001 0.0001 0.00008 0.00005 0.00005 0.0000
02 0.000001
Ozone (O3) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
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SOLID Fiber Dusts Fumes
LIQUID
Mist
Aerosols
GAS FUMES
Upper airway
particles <100 ìm particles <25 μm
Chest
Region of gas exchange
particles <10 mm
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Indicator of effect
Indicator dose
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DUST
P0EIRAS
Dust
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P0EIRAS
Dust and smoke are the types of airborne particles more prevalent in work enviro
nments. Formed as a result of working with various materials. The inhaled dust a
ccumulates in the lungs and cause a reaction in the tissues. This lung disease c
alled "pneumoconiosis," which is still the most common disabling occupational di
sease.
Dust
Smoke
Mist
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P0EIRAS
Continuous exposure to dust increases the affected area of the lung and causes a
decrease in breathing capacity. The delicate structure of the alveoli may becom
e fibrous and remain in the lungs as a scar. After several years exposed to dust
, the worker may come to feel shortness of breath and be unfit for work. When th
e lungs begin to develop fibrous areas, the breathing space needed to be reduced
forever.
P0EIRAS
Some examples of pneumoconiosis, with various effects in the lungs, are silicosi
s (caused by the quartz powder) and asbestosis (caused by asbestos dust - asbest
os).
Are known to other types of pneumoconioses.
Therefore the protection of workers in places where there is a high concentratio
n of dust is very important. Harmful airborne particles can also arise in the un
paved streets and factory floors that are not scanned.
Dust
Smoke
Mist
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P0EIRAS
QUARTZ POWDER
The quartz powder is produced when working in the processing of certain types of
stones. Silicosis is a possible consequence of prolonged exposure to this dust,
and is characterized by slow destruction of lung tissue, making it difficult to
breath.
Many people have died as a result of silicosis. This also facilitates the develo
pment of tuberculosis.
Dust
Smoke
Mist
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P0EIRAS
ASBESTOS
Asbestos is a fibrous silicate used in various situations: • insulating material
for protection against heat and fire • building materials (walls, forums, etc..
) • In the components used in rubber seals
The powder is composed of asbestos fiber-like wires that penetrate the lungs and
destroy the tissue.
Dust
Smoke
Mist
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P0EIRAS
Once the fiber penetrated the lung, it never will leave. The asbestos dust can c
ause asbeteose disease that develops in the same way that silicosis. Decades may
pass before the first symptoms are noticed, one being the lack of air. In many
cases, asbeteose can cause cancer of the lung or the alveoli.
Dust
Smoke
Mist
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NORMAL LUNGS
Alveoli bronchioles
Cilia
Anthracosis pulmonary
The pigment is composed of small black grains, and carbon particles from the air
and do not cause lung injury.
Silicosis
Silica, which consists of particles as small colorless refractile crystals, whic
h now shine, sometimes disappear, depending on the depth of focus. This is becau
se the silica particles (a form of quartz) behave like tiny lenses.
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Pulmonary asbestosis
Asbestosis in the lung, there is deposition of asbestos fibers in the bronchiole
s and in parts of the pleural surface, leading to chronic inflammation and fibro
sis in these places.
GASES
GASES
Some gases and vapors have a strong and irritating odor, which functions as a da
nger signal. However, there are odorless gas that quickly or reduce our ability
to perceive or hazard assessment, representing therefore a much greater risk.
The gases may spread into the workplace through various chemical processes, or g
as leaks.
GASES
The chlorine and sulfur dioxide are examples of irritating gases and can damage
the lungs when they come in high concentrations.
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GASES
FORMATION OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE
GASES
Other gases are phosgene and nitrous gases. These do not cause irritation when b
reathing, which may serve as a warning as to its presence in the environment. •
The phosgene is formed when, for example, trichlorethylene or tetrachlorethylene
come into contact with hot surfaces or open flames. • The nitrous gases are for
med when oxygen and nitrogen from the air are very heated, as with the welding p
rocess.
GASES
It is necessary to mention another problem: • Lack of oxygen, which can occur in
closed environments (silos, tanks, containers for chemical reactions, watertigh
t compartments, etc..), Representing a very dangerous situation that can quickly
be fatal. • Oxygen can be removed from the air, for example due to an excess of
carbon monoxide produced by fermentation, a slow oxidation during production of
the rust, etc..
For these reasons, the establishment of appropriate procedures for working indoo
rs and supervision of their compliance arrangements are very important.
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GASES
Insufficient oxygen is produced in confined areas, when the oxygen content is be
low 21%. It can be caused by: A chemical reaction. Fire. Or displacement of oxyg
en by another gas.
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GASES
CARBON MONOXIDE OR OTHER GASES IN confined spaces
Solvents
Vapors and droplets of solvents represent one of the most common risks to worker
health. Solvents have the ability to dissolve other substances mainly oils and
fats. Moreover evaporate easily. Occurs when the evaporation of a solvent, the v
apor becomes part of the air we inhale, and is then transported by our blood to
internal organs such as brain and liver.
Solvents
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Solvents
Solvents REMEMBER:
Some factors influencing the ability of a solvent to cause damage: • Viscosity o
f the solvent: solvents with low viscosity spread more
quickly indoors. • Concentration in air: the amount of solvent present in the at
mosphere can be assessed through the use of certain measuring devices. • Exposur
e time: the longer the exposure time, the higher the
risks of harmful effects.
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Acidic and alkaline substances
• The acidic and alkaline substances are corrosive and can
cause damage to skin and eyes,per contact.
• A corrosive mist can be formed from the fatty and
damage in the airways and lungs.
The hydrochloric acid, sulfuric, nitric and Chromic are especially dangerous.
GENETIC EFFECTS
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Genetic Effects
Risks can generate genetic effects that are difficult to detect.
The exposure of women and men to different chemicals over a long period of time
could cause very serious birth defects in their future children.
As this type of effect can not be detected immediately, we must inform us and al
ways be aware of the risks that are present in our day-to-day.
Genetic Effects
There are suspicions that many substances used at work may alter the woman's egg
and the sperm of man, and therefore can harm a future embryo. Even the fumes pr
oduced by diesel can cause genetic changes.
METALS
Skin diseases
Various skin diseases of occupational origin are due to skin contact with hazard
ous chemicals. Occupational contact dermatitis (or eczema) represents the vast m
ajority of cases of occupational dermatoses. Human skin has a very thin, with th
e exception of the palms and soles. Serves as a barrier to some extent, against
physical trauma, heat and cold, microorganisms and chemicals. Despite these defe
nses, and skin damaged by wounds, by contact with alkaline substances, or other
substances. Toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin.
Although not very common, absorption through the skin can cause widespread poiso
ning, as with mercury, lead and some pesticides. Eczema resulting from contact w
ith chemicals is much more common in some countries; eczema accounts for nearly
half of the diseases considered by social security systems. The eczema appears p
rofessional workers in various fields: construction, engineering, textile indust
ry, chemical industry, printing presses, cleaning workers, painters, hairdresser
s, Industry plastics, rubber, leather, electrical equipment, plating, etc..
EXPOSURE LIMITS
Definitions
TOXICOLOGY
It is the science that studies the effects produced by harmful chemical substanc
es on living organisms.
Introduction
For most toxic substances, there is a relationship between the quantity of the s
ubstance that is absorbed by the body and its health effects. Knowledge of this
dose - effect relationship can assess the risk of exposure and, consequently, to
set a safe limit for exposure of work.
This limit is called
"Exposure limit".
Introduction
The exposure limit of a substance is much lower, the higher the risk involved (l
ow exposure = high risk). The boundaries of some substances have been reduced ba
sed on results of recent research, which showed a greater risk of health problem
s, including cancer. The environmental monitoring work is done by measuring the
concentration of a substance in the air, and the value is compared with the expo
sure limit.
The VLE ESTIMATE AND PREDICT THE RISK IN THIS EXISTING DESK JOB?
0
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The dose - effect is the correlation between exposure dose and the magnitude of
a specific effect on a particular individual.
The dose - response relationship is the correlation between exposure dose and th
e proportion of individuals within a defined group, which have a specific effect
with a magnitude determined.
200 - 2000
400 - 2000
20-20
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Toxicity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Practically non-toxic Slightly ... ... ... ... ... ..
. non-toxic. Moderately toxic ... ... ... .. Very toxic ... ... ... ... ... ...
... .... Extremely toxic ... ... ... .... Super toxic ... ... ... ... ... ... ..
. ....
Dose, mg / kg> 15,000 5000-15 .000 500-5000 50-500 5-50 <5