1. Dust and gases containing harmful chemicals
Image: The danger of dust depends on the type of material in the dust- Dust Dust can simply be a nuisance, but the danger depends on the material in the dust, the amount, and the size of the particles. Smaller particles can pass through the filtering system and enter the lungs when inhaled. These particles are invisible to the naked eye and can only be identified under a microscope. They accumulate in the lungs over time, causing conditions such as pneumonia. Dust containing crystalline silica or asbestos is particularly dangerous.
Materials like sand, rocks containing crystalline silica, ores, concrete, and ceramics often produce dust that results in silica accumulation in the lungs. This can lead to an incurable lung disease, even after exposure has ceased many years ago.
In addition, asbestos is a natural mineral fiber with fire-resistant and chemical-resistant properties. Asbestos fibers are very strong and thin. It exists in various forms and goes by different names such as chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, actinolite, and tremolite asbestos. If this dust enters the lungs, it can damage lung tissue and cause lung cancer. The risk of cancer is even higher if asbestos exposure is combined with smoking. - Gases Gases do not necessarily have a warning odor at dangerous concentrations. The odor may only become noticeable at very high concentrations in the air. Gases can have irritating effects or enter the bloodstream, causing internal damage.
Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, chlorine, and ammonia are toxic gases that are corrosive and irritate the respiratory system. They are widely used in industrial processes.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless toxic gas formed by the incomplete combustion of organic materials. It can enter the bloodstream. Some gases can even pass through the skin, such as hydrogen cyanide.
2. Solvents – Chemicals affecting health
Image: Solvents are chemicals that affect healthMost solvents are organic chemicals in liquid form. They are used because of their ability to dissolve other chemicals, especially fats that are insoluble in water. They are often flammable and can catch fire due to heat from smoking, welding, or static electricity. The fumes can travel with air currents and can catch fire even from a distant heat source.
Solvents most commonly enter the body via the respiratory system, but some can also penetrate healthy, intact skin. Once in the blood, solvents can be transported to various organs such as the brain and liver.
The effects of solvents on human health vary depending on the evaporation rate and their solubility in water. They can cause dizziness, headaches, memory loss, or fatigue. They can also affect the eyes and respiratory system. Frequent skin exposure can erode the skin's protective layer, causing irritation. Some solvents are extremely harmful to the liver, kidneys, bone marrow, or nervous system. Benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and carbon disulfide are solvents that should be replaced by less harmful alternatives.
3. Metals
Image: Mercury poisoning can affect the nervous systemMetals can enter the body as dust or smoke, or through the skin. One example is tetraethyl lead, used as an anti-knock agent in gasoline. Mercury vapor is commonly inhaled, as this liquid metal easily vaporizes at suitable temperatures.
Lead is used in various industries, including batteries, glass, mining, cable manufacturing, foundries, and printing.
Mercury is present in many pesticides and fumigants. In the environment, it can accumulate in fish. Mercury poisoning severely affects the nervous system.
Chromium compounds are widely used in industry. Cement contains small amounts of chromium compounds. This industrial chemical can cause allergies and even lung cancer. Unlike cobalt and nickel, pure chromium does not cause allergies. Chromium compounds can cause birth defects if mothers are exposed to them during pregnancy.
Arsenic compounds are used in pesticides and certain dyes. Chronic arsenic poisoning can begin with respiratory irritation, eye inflammation, or skin issues, followed by nervous system damage. Arsenic and its compounds can cause cancer.
4. Acids and Bases
Strong acids and bases are primarily used in aqueous solutions. They corrode human tissue. The heat produced when water is added to concentrated sulfuric acid is especially dangerous. The temperature increase creates highly corrosive liquid that can cause injury. For example, phosphoric acid is used to treat metals. When exposed to a hot surface, phosphoric acid can release toxic gases.5. Pesticides
Pesticides are produced to kill or control pests. They are used in industry, such as wood preservation, and in agriculture to control insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents. There are many types of pesticides, and they are often used as mixtures.Pesticides are divided into broad groups: organic compounds and organochlorine compounds. These are generally highly toxic to insects and humans. They can harm the nervous system and even be lethal. They are effective even at low concentrations. Dichlorvos, demeton, parathion, and thioazin belong to this group.
Organochlorine compounds have lower acute toxicity than organophosphorus compounds. They degrade slowly and can accumulate in the environment and the body.
