Various types of chemicals can be harmful to your body through immediate or prolonged exposure, including common items in your home, school, or workplace.
You might encounter a variety of chemical hazards on a daily basis. As their name suggests, chemical hazards are substances that can be dangerous to the human body, causing irritation or toxicity depending on the type and length of exposure.
Chemical hazards can take the form of gases, liquid solutions, medications, and more. Depending on the formula, the hazard might be ingested or inhaled or come into contact with your skin.
Learn more about the most common chemical hazards you might encounter regularly and how to reduce potential health risks.
Chemical vs. biological and physical hazards
Chemical hazards are dangers to the human body from interactions with certain chemicals. They are different from biological hazards, which involve exposure to harmful bacterial, fungal, and viral agents.
Physical hazards are those caused by force from physical objects.
While medications are often considered lifesaving tools when prescribed by a healthcare professional, they are made with chemical compounds that may not be safe for everyone. For example, they can be harmful if taken in large doses or if accidentally taken with other medications that can cause interactions.
Health risks
Adverse drug events associated with medications directly cause at least
Risk prevention
First, you should never take a medication that is prescribed for someone else. Always ask a doctor before starting any new medications or supplements.
Second, when your doctor is considering prescribing a medication for you, tell them about any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you already take.
Third, remember to keep medications out of reach of children and pets to help prevent
Cleaning products are designed to kill germs and help maintain safe home, work, and school environments.
Health risks
Chemicals used in cleaning can cause toxicity via inhalation or skin contact. Symptoms may include skin irritation, rash (contact dermatitis), and breathing problems.
Cleaning chemicals
Other common health risks of cleaning products include:
- headaches
- eye irritation
- sore throat
- allergic reactions
Risk prevention
Always wear gloves when using cleaning products. This will protect your skin from irritation and possible contact dermatitis. You might also consider wearing a mask and goggles to protect yourself from toxic fumes and accidental splashes.
Also, whether you are at work, school, or home,
You should
Pesticides are chemical substances used to prevent, repel, or kill pests. Due to the widespread use of these chemicals, people are
Health risks
Exposure to large amounts of pesticides through direct contact or inhalation can increase the risk of poisoning. People who work or live in agricultural settings may be at an especially high risk.
Acute (short-term) symptoms of pesticide exposure include:
- breathing problems
- skin rashes and irritation
- irritation or burning in your nose and throat
- dizziness
- nausea
- diarrhea
Chronic (long-term) exposure has been linked to endocrine disorders, reproductive harm, and cancers.
Risk prevention
You can reduce your risk of direct exposure to pesticides by using other pest deterrents instead of chemicals. If you must use chemical pesticides, follow all product instructions to reduce exposure.
If you use pesticides as part of your job, wear protective clothing and gear, including gloves and goggles. Never leave hazardous products within reach of children or pets.
Mercury is a toxic substance that the human body primarily encounters when people eat large amounts of methylmercury-containing fish.
Toxicity can also occur when metallic mercury-containing substances, such as thermometers, are broken and release vapors.
Health risks
Mercury is considered a neurotoxin.
While most people have small amounts of methylmercury in their bodies, large amounts of this substance can cause developmental problems in unborn babies, infants, and young children. Possible symptoms of methylmercury poisoning in adults include:
- speech difficulties
- muscle weakness
- vision changes
- lack of coordination
- pins and needles-like sensations in your mouth and extremities
Metallic mercury exposure can cause:
- headaches
- tremors
- neuromuscular and neurological changes
- insomnia
Risk prevention
You can reduce your risk of methylmercury toxicity by not eating larger fish species. Fish with the highest levels of mercury include:
- sharks
- swordfish
- bigeye tuna
- marlin
- tilefish
- king mackerel
- orange roughy
You can also avoid mercury and other metallic exposures by avoiding mercury-containing thermometers, jewelry, and related items whenever possible.
Latex-containing products, such as gloves, condoms, and bandages, are commonplace and designed to act as barriers against harmful pathogens.
However, latex can also be an allergen for some people. This is more common with natural latex-containing products, which are made from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis (rubber) tree.
Health risks
According to some research published in 2016, 4.3% of people worldwide are allergic to latex. Rates of latex allergy are higher among people who work in medical, dental, and food professions.
Most reactions to latex affect your skin, causing symptoms such as:
- skin irritation
- itchiness
- rashes
- hives
- pustules that may ooze
However, a severe allergy to latex and inhalation of the substance can increase the risk of a life threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include the above skin reactions as well as throat tightness, trouble breathing, and fainting.
Risk prevention
If you experience any skin irritation after latex exposure, consult a doctor to be evaluated for a latex allergy. They may recommend that you carry epinephrine injections with you in case of a severe allergic reaction.
If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to latex, it’s important to avoid latex-containing materials as often as possible.
Switching to latex-free gloves and bandages can help. You should also let your dentist and other healthcare professionals know about your latex allergy so they can wear the appropriate protective gear.
It’s important to assess other potentially latex-containing items in your home, workplace, and school as well. These include may toys, rubber bands, and mousepads, just to name a few.
There are at least 40,000 different products that contain latex, so careful diligence is key.
Chemical hazards are chemical-based items that can harm your health. These hazards include everyday items such as medications, cleaning products, and latex.
Being aware of these hazards at work, school, and home can help you be better prepared to protect yourself and others from common chemicals.
Contact a doctor if you experience any negative health effects after chemical exposure, such as a rash or other symptoms.