According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 13 million workers in the United States are exposed to toxic chemicals that their skin can absorb, subjecting them to such workplace injuries as irritant contact dermatitis, skin infections and skin injuries.[1] Occupational skin diseases are the second most common disease in the workplace.[2] However, employees do not only have to worry about skin contact when it concerns chemical exposure. They may be injured by these chemicals in other ways, such as slipping on them at work, accidentally swallowing them or breathing in their fumes, which can lead to other injuries and medical conditions, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, cancer, respiratory problems and others.
The most common types of injuries that result from chemical exposure include burns, rashes and throat or lung injuries. Additionally, neurological injuries from chemical exposure may also occur. There are many very dangerous chemicals that workers may be exposed to at their workplace. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Below, you will find important information with you about some of the most dangerous types of chemicals you may be exposed to and what to do if you are.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally-occurring mineral that may get released into groundwater by agricultural, wood preservatives and glass production. It is used in the manufacture of pesticides, solar batteries and electrical semiconductors. It is also used to smelt ores. People are exposed to it by inhaling, swallowing, ingesting, or having contact through the eyes or skin with it.[3] It can cause cancer, respiratory problems, circulatory problems and even death if a large amount of it is ingested. Monitoring levels of arsenic, sampling arsenic fibers and providing employees with chemical protective clothing, gloves and other personal protective equipment are a few ways to protect workers from this dangerous chemical.[4]
Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that was once used in the mixture or production of thousands of consumer and construction products, such as tile, glue, cements, brake pads, paper and cloth. Due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion, it was once coveted by many industries. Asbestos has been linked to causing serious and fatal diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Despite these dangerous consequences, asbestos is not completely banned in the United States. It is often found in older buildings, so construction workers, maintenance workers and others may be at an increased rate of exposure. Additionally, approximately one third of mesothelioma claims are from veterans who may have been exposed to it during their time of service. Mechanics who installed, repaired or replaced automotive components like gaskets, brake pads and engines that contained asbestos are also at an increased risk. Using respiratory equipment, following safety protocol for the safe removal of asbestos, not disturbing asbestos so that fibers do not become airborne and using wetting procedures are effective ways to decrease the risk associated with exposure to asbestos.
Benzene
Benzene is present in gasoline vapors and automobile exhaust. Workers can be exposed to this chemical by having skin contact with it, inhaling it or ingesting it. Acute exposure can result in nerve inflammation, central nervous system depression and cardiac sensitization. Chronic exposure has been linked to anorexia, leukemia and irreversible injury to blood-forming organs. Workers should be required to shower after coming in contact with this chemical and before changing into clothing that they will wear home. They should also be given chemical protective clothing and other PPE.
Cadmium
Cadmium is released during the smelting and refining of ore. It is also released from fuel combustion and is present in sewage sludge that was not handled properly and fertilizers. It is highly toxic even in low doses, so there are a number of operational controls that should be used to minimize exposure to workers, including process enclosure, local exhaust ventilation and providing personal protective equipment and respirators.[5]
Chromium
Chromium is a known carcinogen that is linked to lung changes for those workers who are exposed to it.[6] It is most widely known for its use in the natural gas industry where it is used to prevent machinery from rusting. However, it is also used in the production of alloy steels and insoluble salts. Control measures to minimize the threat of exposure include local exhaust ventilation, general dilution ventilation and personal protective equipment.[7]
E-Waste
E-waste occurs when electronics are not properly disposed of. When this occurs, dangerous toxins like arsenic, lead and mercury can leak out and contaminate their surroundings. Exposure to this waste can result in irreversible damage to a person’s central nervous, digestive, immune and reproductive systems.[8] Using proper disposal methods is the safest way to prevent these injuries.
Lead
Most associated with lead paint, lead is a hazardous chemical that is often present near mining sites. It is used to produce storage batteries, metals, surfacing coatings and paints. It can be inhaled or ingested by workers. Exposure has been linked to paralysis in the wrists and ankles, anemia, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.[9] Workers who may be exposed to lead should undergo periodic testing to ensure that they are not exposed to dangerous levels of this chemical. Control measures include the following:
- Process enclosure
- Local exhaust ventilation
- Dust control
- Providing workers with personal protective equipment, including chemical protective clothing
Mercury
Exposure to mercury can lead to serious and adverse consequences, including allergic skin rash, headache, personality change, irritability, loss of memory, intellectual deterioration, kidney problems, brain damage and immune system problems.[10] Mercury is released during the coal burning and metal processing uses. It is also present in medical waste. Employers can reduce the risk of mercury exposure through meticulous housekeeping procedures, providing workers with proper PPE, process enclosure and general dilution ventilation.[11]
Pesticides
Pesticides are used in agricultural applications. They have been associated with neurological and reproductive disorders. Employers can limit exposure to these harmful effects by substituting products with natural alternatives.
Toluene
Toluene is used to produce solvents and petroleum products. If workers inhale this chemical in heavy doses, their central nervous system can be damaged. Exposure can even result in death.[12] Inhalation can cause difficulty in seeing bright light.[13] If a worker has toluene on their skin, they should quickly wash the area or shower.[14] If the chemical is spilled, workers who are wearing proper PPE should do the following[15]:
- Remove all ignition sources
- Ventilate the area of the spill
- Absorb small quantities with paper towels
- Collect large quantities in a combustion chamber
Zinc
Zinc can cause adverse effects if it is inhaled or comes in contact with the eyes.[16] Workers may experience the following symptoms after exposure[17]:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest constriction
- Abdominal pain
- Burning of the eyes and throat
- Coughing
- Blue color of the skin and lips
In serious instances, some workers have developed breathing problems or pneumonia.[18] There have also been instances of fatal exposure. Zinc is present in galvanized metal surfaces, motor oil and tire dust, so mechanics and automotive manufacturers are at a greater risk of exposure.
Workers should be provided with personal protective equipment, including respirators. Employers should place control measures in place, including process enclosure, local exhaust ventilation, and general dilution ventilation.
What to Do if You Suspect You Have Sustained Long-Term Disability from a Work Toxin
Exposure to toxins in the workplace can result in long-term disability. Workers’ compensation benefits are available to workers who sustain an injury or develop an occupational illness while performing their job duties. Under this system, you exchange the right to sue your employer in order to be able to receive benefits like medical treatment and wage replacement income without having to show your employer’s negligence caused the accident.
In order to increase the ability of your workers’ compensation claim being approved, it is vital that you report the accident to your employer and quickly seek medical treatment. Explain to the medical provider how the exposure occurred. Write down anybody’s name who may have seen the accident. Then, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you with your claim.
[1] http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/
[2] https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/15195-occupational-skin-diseases-more-common-than-you-think
[3 – 7; 9-18] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/81-123/pdfs/0038.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB81123
[8] https://www.who.int/ceh/risks/ewaste/en/
