The 2016 statistics concerning the most dangerous chemicals being used in Europe and the number of workers exposed to these substances are a matter of concern. The carcinogenic chemicals which cause the onset of various body tumours are many, and some actually hold negative records.
The 4 most dangerous chemical substances
The 2016 statistics relating to the most dangerous chemical agents used in Europe and the number of workers exposed to these substances are a matter of concern. There are numerous carcinogenic chemicals which cause the onset of various body tumours and some actually hold negative records. In fact, there are 4 chemical agents directly responsible for the death of over 9 thousand Italian workers and principally concern the construction, trade, agriculture and healthcare services.
- Crystalline silica dust. Crystalline silica is classified as a substance belonging to Group 1 which are the known human carcinogens. The risk of lung cancer or silicosis to humans exposed to any amount of crystalline silica is very high. There is indeed a direct relationship between exposure time and the likelihood of developing lung cancer. As a risk threshold for this substance has not been identified, any amount of exposure can cause disease.
- Hardwood dust. Hardwood dust is produced during all processes that involve the removal of wood material, such as wood cutting, cleaning, dusting, emptying containers, etc. The microscopic size of the particles allow them to be easily inhaled by humans and the exposure to these particles leads to diseases of the nasal, para-nasal sinuses and the lungs. It has been documented that hardwood dust causes allergies and diseases to the respiratory system and can lead to cancer even if inhaled in quantities well below the set workplace exposure limits.
- Hydrazine. Extremely toxic, carcinogenic and corrosive substance used as an expanding agent for plastics, as an intermediate product for the production of certain gases in the automotive industry and as fuel for missiles and specific aircraft. The substance tends to evaporate at room temperature and exposure to as little as 1 PPM can cause nervous system effects, as well as liver and kidney damage. Tumors have been seen in many organs of animals that were exposed to hydrazines by ingestion or breathing, but most tumors have been found in the lungs, blood vessels, or colon.
- Chromium VI compounds. Chromium VI compounds (or hexavalent chromium) are classified as Group 1 carcinogens for humans. Human studies have clearly established that inhaled chromium (VI) is a human carcinogen, resulting in an increased risk of lung cancer.They are used in industry for chrome plating, the manufacture of dyes and pigments, leather and wood preservation, welding certain types of steel, and treatment of cooling tower water.
Effective protection thanks to Respiratory Protective Devices
To protect oneself effectively against the hazards of these and other chemical substances, workers need to properly don and wear Respiratory Protective Devices in addition to any other prescribed PPE. Failure to use or the improper use of RPD can lead to the development of very serious occupational diseases that arise after acute and/or chronic exposure to hazardous chemical substances. The use of RPD to protect against the accidental inhalation of hazardous chemicals is mandatory and appropriate to the risks, i.e.to the type of substance from which protection is being sought, also taking into account the particle diameter and the type of toxicity. Moreover, Respiratory Protective Devices have to comply with the regulatory standards in force in terms of safety and ergonomics.
Kasco srl, manufactures and supplies a range of Respiratory Protective Devices certified to National and International standards and recommended for use in various industrial environments. These devices are useful to effectively protect workers from the hazardous chemical substances described above.
Jan 9 2018
Occupational cancer risks – the most hazardous substances
The 4 most dangerous chemical substances
The 2016 statistics relating to the most dangerous chemical agents used in Europe and the number of workers exposed to these substances are a matter of concern. There are numerous carcinogenic chemicals which cause the onset of various body tumours and some actually hold negative records. In fact, there are 4 chemical agents directly responsible for the death of over 9 thousand Italian workers and principally concern the construction, trade, agriculture and healthcare services.
Effective protection thanks to Respiratory Protective Devices
To protect oneself effectively against the hazards of these and other chemical substances, workers need to properly don and wear Respiratory Protective Devices in addition to any other prescribed PPE. Failure to use or the improper use of RPD can lead to the development of very serious occupational diseases that arise after acute and/or chronic exposure to hazardous chemical substances. The use of RPD to protect against the accidental inhalation of hazardous chemicals is mandatory and appropriate to the risks, i.e.to the type of substance from which protection is being sought, also taking into account the particle diameter and the type of toxicity. Moreover, Respiratory Protective Devices have to comply with the regulatory standards in force in terms of safety and ergonomics.
Kasco srl, manufactures and supplies a range of Respiratory Protective Devices certified to National and International standards and recommended for use in various industrial environments. These devices are useful to effectively protect workers from the hazardous chemical substances described above.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •