ABSTRACT

Workers in close proximity to these hazards may suffer varying degrees of health impacts depending on the type and degree of chemical exposure. Common consequences of toxic substance exposure include the following:

n Asphyxiation n Poisoning n Cancer n Damage to liver, kidneys, nerve cells, etc. n Harmful effects to the unborn child n Loss of limbs n Skin diseases n Loss of hearing n Eye injuries

1.2 HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS AND POTENTIAL EXPOSURE PATHWAYS Chemical substances must enter an organism (plant or animal) in order to exert any toxic effects. Common routes of chemical absorption at the workplace include the following:

n Inhalation-breathing contaminated air n Dermal-contact with harmful liquids, gases, solids, or contaminated cloth-

ing, equipment, medications, cosmetics, etc.