1. THE EFFECTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON THE BODY

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

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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

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

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.