Chemical Exposure and It’s ill Effects

Chemical Exposure

A blanket term used for defining wide variety of substances in work place or home is called chemical exposure. People who are at the risk of chemical exposure are those working in steel and heavy metals, construction or welding, chemical and plastic industries. The dangerous chemical products at home include spray paints, drain cleaners, cleaning products and pesticides. Others who may be at risk are those living or working near refinery, gas station or chemical plant. It is impossible to list every side effect of chemical exposure but the injuries may include shortness of breath, headache, forgetfulness and dizziness. Prolonged exposure may cause diseases such as damage to internal organs, birth defects, cancer and other chronic neurological problems.

Some Dangerous Chemicals

Many varieties of substances are included in chemical exposure like nitrogen compounds plastics, metals, biological events, solvents, rubbers, mineral dusts, asphyxiates, and sulphur compounds. Following are the dangerous chemicals to which a person can be exposed:

Trichloroethylene:
It is a cleaning solvent. It is now used in ground water supplies and soil. If inhaled or consumed with water it may cause severe respiratory complications, organ failure, nervous system problems and even death.

Pentachlorophenol:
Once used as domestic pesticide, it is now restricted as a preservative for wood. Being a carcinogen, it may cause respiratory complication and birth defects.

Chromated Copper Arsenate:
It is highly toxic for humans as it contains high amount of arsenic. Its purpose is same as that of Pentachlorophenol.

Ethylene Glyco Ether:
It is used during semiconductor chip manufacturing “clean rooms” and as a solvent in heavy industries.

Some of the most common diseases caused by 400+ hazardous chemicals are following:

Burns: Results from contact with acid and alkalies.

Dermatitis: It is chronic inflammation leading to pain, swelling, and redness, itching, and cracking of the skin.

Chloracne: It is caused by over exposure to chlorine compounds like halogenic aromatic hydrocarbons. It is an eruption of cysts, black heads and pustules.

Anemia: Its symptoms include weak, feeling tired and short of breath. It can be defines as the deficiency of red blood cells.

Heavy metal poisoning: It is caused by elements that are either nephrotoxins or heptotoxins. Examples of heavy metal poisoning are an over exposure to chemicals like cadmium, lead and mercury.

Asthma: Most of the times it is caused by an allergic reaction. It is a respiratory disorder during which the chest constricts and patients find it difficult to breath.

Fibrosis: It commonly occurs in liver or lungs. It is unhealthy growth of scar tissue as a reaction to a catalyst.

Pneumonitis: It is caused by a virus or an allergic reaction to aspirated vomitus, ingested or skin absorbed pesticides, gases from electroplating, ingested gasoline or other petroleum distillates and other irritants. It manifests through chills, dry cough, fever and inability to breath. Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs.

Neuropathy: It is degeneration of the nerves causing numbness, tingling, pain, muscle weakness in various parts of the body and swelling.

Cancer: Various hazardous chemicals that are carcinogens in concentrated amounts and results in the abnormal growth of cells.

It is important to pay attention to hazardous chemicals as there exposure may lead to various diseases. The damages caused can be life threatening and individuals should be aware of the risks.