Hazards of Chemicals and Gases
The various chemicals found in industry as well as the home are useful when
properly applied. If the user is uninformed about correct applications,
storage, and potential hazards, these chemicals become threats to safety.
This chapter gives an overview of handling chemicals and resources of
information about these chemicals.
LIST the general safety precautions regarding toxic
LIST the criteria used to determine if a compound
is a health hazard.
STATE the methods by which toxic compounds may
enter the body.
SUMMARIZE the purpose and general contents of
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Toxic Substance List
Because the types of toxic compounds found in industry number in the thousands, and because
specific hazards, controls, and corrective measures may vary with the substance, no attempt will
be made in this section to address specific compounds. Instead, information of a general nature
will be presented on toxic materials. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are required for all
potentially hazardous and toxic materials and should be consulted for specific descriptions and
precautions concerning the substance in question.
There are some general precautions that should be universally employed regarding toxic
compounds. Many of these precautions are consistent with those already mentioned concerning
corrosives. Proper ventilation, appropriate hygienic practices, housekeeping, protective
clothing, and training for safe handling and storage will diminish many of the hazards that exist.
The toxicity of a material is not synonymous with its health hazard. Toxicity is the capacity of
a material to produce injury or harm to a living organism.