Hazardous Substances Demand Your Respect

You may be at risk of accidental poisonings, chemical burns, or suffocation. It depends on where you work and the substances you handle. Knowing and following the right safety steps can help keep you safe. These are some of the hazards you may come across:

• Asphyxiants. These gases displace or dilute breathable air (oxygen). They can cause suffocation in large quantities. Examples are carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

• Carcinogens. These chemicals can cause cancer after many years if you swallow them, breathe them in, or soak them up through your skin. Examples are asbestos, dioxin (in Agent Orange), radon, vinyl chloride, and benzene.

• Compressed gases. These substances are often stored in cylinders under high pressure. This can knock down people or walls.

• Corrosives. These acids or alkaline substances can penetrate or burn through the skin. Examples are nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.

• Flammables. These are liquids, vapors, or gases that can catch fire or explode. This can happen when they are exposed to a flame, an operating electrical tool, or a static spark. Examples are methane and propane.

• Teratogens. These can lead to birth defects. Examples are isotretinoin, excess vitamin A, alcohol, radiation, and thalidomide.

• Toxic chemicals. These can damage the body's organs when they're inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. Examples are lead, cadmium, and pesticides.