Risk of Toxic Substances
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety of toxic substances
Whenever
possible, it is always best to avoid using a toxic material either by
eliminating its use (by changing the method or process for example) or by
substituting the toxic material with a less hazardous material. Unfortunately,
it is not always possible to find a non-toxic substitute that still does the
job effectively and safely.
possible, it is always best to avoid using a toxic material either by
eliminating its use (by changing the method or process for example) or by
substituting the toxic material with a less hazardous material. Unfortunately,
it is not always possible to find a non-toxic substitute that still does the
job effectively and safely.
When
considering substitution, the first step is to obtain the Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDSs) for all possible substitute materials. Find out about all
of the hazards (health, fire, chemical reactivity) of these materials before
making any changes. Caution must be exercised so as to avoid introducing a
potentially more hazardous situation. Choose the least hazardous materials that
can do the job effectively and safely. Learn how to work safely with them, too.
considering substitution, the first step is to obtain the Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDSs) for all possible substitute materials. Find out about all
of the hazards (health, fire, chemical reactivity) of these materials before
making any changes. Caution must be exercised so as to avoid introducing a
potentially more hazardous situation. Choose the least hazardous materials that
can do the job effectively and safely. Learn how to work safely with them, too.
To
prevent exposure to a toxic material, control measures are used. Ventilation is
a very common control measure for toxic materials. Well-designed and
well-maintained ventilation systems remove toxic vapours, fumes, mists or
airborne dusts from the workplace before workers are exposed. Removing the
contaminated air reduces the hazard of toxic materials.
prevent exposure to a toxic material, control measures are used. Ventilation is
a very common control measure for toxic materials. Well-designed and
well-maintained ventilation systems remove toxic vapours, fumes, mists or
airborne dusts from the workplace before workers are exposed. Removing the
contaminated air reduces the hazard of toxic materials.
For
the storage of toxic materials, ensure that the storage area is clearly
identified with warning signs, is clear of obstructions, and is accessible only
to trained and authorized personnel.
the storage of toxic materials, ensure that the storage area is clearly
identified with warning signs, is clear of obstructions, and is accessible only
to trained and authorized personnel.
Before
storing toxic materials, inspect all incoming containers to ensure that the
containers are undamaged and are properly labelled. Do not accept delivery of
defective containers. Also, be sure to store toxic materials in the type of
containers recommended by the manufacturer or supplier.
storing toxic materials, inspect all incoming containers to ensure that the
containers are undamaged and are properly labelled. Do not accept delivery of
defective containers. Also, be sure to store toxic materials in the type of
containers recommended by the manufacturer or supplier.
Safe
handling and work procedures are crucial for workplaces where individuals use
toxic materials. It is vital that people working with hazardous materials such
as toxics are properly trained regarding the potential hazards. Remember, if,
at any time an individual is unsure or has questions about working with a toxic
material, they should always talk with the supervisor.
handling and work procedures are crucial for workplaces where individuals use
toxic materials. It is vital that people working with hazardous materials such
as toxics are properly trained regarding the potential hazards. Remember, if,
at any time an individual is unsure or has questions about working with a toxic
material, they should always talk with the supervisor.
Waste
toxic material must be disposed of properly. Careless disposal of any hazardous
waste presents a potential hazard to many individuals who may not be trained or
equipped to deal with unexpected hazardous materials (e.g. caretaking staff,
garbage collectors, plumbers, water treatment plant workers, firefighters,
etc.). Careless disposal can also cause significant damage to the environment.
toxic material must be disposed of properly. Careless disposal of any hazardous
waste presents a potential hazard to many individuals who may not be trained or
equipped to deal with unexpected hazardous materials (e.g. caretaking staff,
garbage collectors, plumbers, water treatment plant workers, firefighters,
etc.). Careless disposal can also cause significant damage to the environment.
Control
measures such as ventilation, enclosure and work practices are examples of the
preferred methods of protecting workers. If these measures are not feasible or
unable to provide appropriate worker protection, then personal protective
equipment may be required.
measures such as ventilation, enclosure and work practices are examples of the
preferred methods of protecting workers. If these measures are not feasible or
unable to provide appropriate worker protection, then personal protective
equipment may be required.
Some
toxic materials can be harmful when in contact with your skin. In these
instances, it may be necessary to wear protective equipment such as gloves,
aprons, boots, hoods or other clothing, depending on the risk of skin contact.
Choose clothing made of materials that resist permeation, penetration or damage
by the chemical.
toxic materials can be harmful when in contact with your skin. In these
instances, it may be necessary to wear protective equipment such as gloves,
aprons, boots, hoods or other clothing, depending on the risk of skin contact.
Choose clothing made of materials that resist permeation, penetration or damage
by the chemical.
Eye
protection is important when working with toxic materials. Selection of the
most appropriate type depends on factors such as how the material is used,
physical characteristics (e.g. fine powder, liquid, vapour, etc.) and potential
health effects (e.g. eye irritant, skin irritant, toxicity through skin
absorption, etc.).
protection is important when working with toxic materials. Selection of the
most appropriate type depends on factors such as how the material is used,
physical characteristics (e.g. fine powder, liquid, vapour, etc.) and potential
health effects (e.g. eye irritant, skin irritant, toxicity through skin
absorption, etc.).