element 7 Chemical and Biological Agents.pdf

element 7 Chemical and Biological Agents.pdf

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  Element 7 Chemical andBiological Agents
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  Element 7.1 Formsof , Classification of and Health Risks from Hazardous Substances  1. Forms of Chemical Agents  What are they?  Chemical agents in the workplace can exist in different physical states or forms. The form of a chemical can influence how it is handled, stored, and the type of exposure risk it presents to workers.  Solid: Chemical agents in solid form include powders, dusts, and solids that can be inhaled, swallowed, or come into direct contact with the skin.  Example: Asbestos dust, silica dust, solid chemicals like sodium chloride.  Liquid: Many chemicals are in liquid form and can present risks if spilled, splashed, or vaporized into airborne particles.  Example: Acids, solvents like benzene, or oils.  Gas/Vapor: Some chemicals are gases or vapors at room temperature. These can be inhaled and are often more dangerous due to their ability to easily disperse in the air.  Example: Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  Aerosols: These are tiny particles or droplets suspended in the air, often produced by sprays or mist.  Example: Paint sprays, insecticides, or cleaning sprays.
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   2. Acuteand Chronic Health Effects  What are they?  Chemical agents can cause different types of health effects, which are typically classified into acute and chronic effects, depending on the duration and intensity of exposure.  Acute Health Effects: These are immediate or short-term effects that result from a single exposure or short-duration exposure to a hazardous substance.  Examples:  Irritation: Causing skin or eye irritation, like from strong acids.  Burns: Chemical burns from contact with caustic substances like sulfuric acid.  Poisoning: Inhalation of gases like carbon monoxide can lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or even death.  Respiratory Distress: Short-term inhalation of toxic gases or vapors can cause breathing problems or lung damage.
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   Chronic HealthEffects: These are long-term effects that develop from prolonged or repeated exposure to hazardous substances over time. Chronic conditions often manifest after years of exposure and may be irreversible.  Examples:  Cancer: Long-term exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, such as asbestos or benzene, can lead to lung cancer or leukemia.  Respiratory Diseases: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from prolonged exposure to dust or fumes, such as silica or coal dust.  Neurological Disorders: Long-term exposure to solvents or heavy metals, like lead or mercury, can lead to nerve damage or cognitive impairments.  Liver/Kidney Damage: Some chemicals, such as certain solvents and pesticides, can damage vital organs over time.
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   3. Classificationof Chemicals Hazardous to Health  Chemicals hazardous to health are classified based on their potential to cause harm through exposure. Classification systems help identify the risks posed by chemicals and guide the implementation of control measures to protect workers.  Globally Harmonized System (GHS): This is an international classification system for chemicals that includes:  Physical Hazards: Chemicals that pose fire, explosion, or reactivity risks.  Health Hazards: Chemicals that can cause health issues such as cancer, respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, or organ toxicity.  Environmental Hazards: Chemicals that pose risks to the environment, including aquatic life or the ozone layer.  Classification by Toxicity:  Toxic: Chemicals that can cause severe health effects or death in small doses. These are often labeled with a “skull and crossbones” symbol.  Example: Cyanide, certain pesticides.  Harmful: Chemicals that can cause health problems, but typically require longer or higher exposures to produce significant effects.  Example: Many solvents like acetone.
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   Classification byExposure Route:  Inhalation: Chemicals that are hazardous when inhaled (e.g., gases, vapors).  Dermal: Chemicals that cause harm when they come into contact with the skin (e.g., acids, alkalis).  Ingestion: Chemicals that can cause damage when swallowed (e.g., cleaning chemicals or food additives).  Carcinogens: Chemicals that are classified as capable of causing cancer. These chemicals are typically subject to stricter regulations and labeling.  Example: Asbestos, benzene.  Sensitizers: Substances that can cause allergic reactions after repeated exposure, such as skin sensitizers (e.g., latex or certain chemicals).  Mutagens/Reproductive Toxicants: Chemicals that cause genetic mutations or harm reproductive health.  Example: Some pesticides and industrial chemicals.