Consider the types of places that a safety inspector would visit for an inspection such as a manufacturing or processing plant, a construction site, or a pharmaceutical company. You may even consider the environment that a firefighter may encounter for this assignment. Then identify one chemical or toxicant that an individual may be exposed to in this type of workplace. Research the chemical or toxicant and discuss the following aspects in your scholarly activity response:
Identify the chemical and discuss the chemical properties. What level of exposure of this chemical is considered toxic? What duration of exposure can produce a toxic effect?
Identify the type of workplace where this chemical may be found and the use of the chemical in this environment.
Discuss how exposure of the chemical to the worker could occur. Include the route of exposure and what organ(s) or systems of the body could be affected.
Discuss the toxic effects produced from exposure to this chemical. Consider if it is a localized or systemic effect. Are the effects acute or chronic? Explain the symptoms and effects of the toxic exposure including the organs damaged and the type of damage that occurs. Is the chemical a carcinogen, allergenic, or something else?
Discuss how to prevent toxic exposure to the chemical and any known treatments available for toxicity from this chemical.
Full Answer Section
Workplaces where formaldehyde is found: Formaldehyde is used in a variety of industries, including:
- Manufacturing: Formaldehyde is used to make a variety of products, including plastics, resins, and textiles.
- Construction: Formaldehyde is used in some building materials, such as particleboard and plywood.
- Healthcare: Formaldehyde is used to sterilize medical equipment and to preserve tissue specimens.
- Funeral homes: Formaldehyde is used to embalm bodies.
Routes of exposure: Formaldehyde can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. The most common route of exposure is inhalation.
Organs or systems affected: Formaldehyde can affect a variety of organs and systems, including the respiratory system, the eyes, the skin, and the central nervous system.
Toxic effects: The toxic effects of formaldehyde can vary depending on the level of exposure and the route of exposure. Acute exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause respiratory irritation, eye irritation, skin burns, and nausea. Chronic exposure to low levels of formaldehyde can cause cancer, respiratory problems, and neurological problems.
Prevention: There are a number of ways to prevent exposure to formaldehyde, including:
- Using ventilation to remove formaldehyde from the air.
- Using personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and goggles, when working with formaldehyde.
- Reducing the use of formaldehyde in products and processes.
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for formaldehyde poisoning. Treatment is supportive and may include providing oxygen, removing the patient from the source of exposure, and treating the symptoms.
It is important to note that this is just one example of a chemical or toxicant that an individual may be exposed to in a workplace. There are many other chemicals and toxicants that can pose a risk to workers' health. It is important to be aware of the hazards associated with the chemicals and toxicants used in your workplace and to take steps to prevent exposure.
Sample Answer
here is an example of a chemical or toxicant that an individual may be exposed to in a workplace and the safety considerations associated with it:
Chemical: Formaldehyde
Chemical properties: Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong odor. It is a known carcinogen and can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and skin burns.
Toxic level: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde of 0.75 parts per million (ppm) averaged over an eight-hour workday. This means that no worker should be exposed to more than 0.75 ppm of formaldehyde for eight hours in a day.