Health Hazards

Incorrect use of chemicals at the workplace can cause immediate health effects, as well as long-term effects as a result of exposure to chemicals over an extended period. Stay informed on the health effects of common workplace chemicals and how to protect yourself and your workers.

Ammonia

Inhalation exposure to high levels of ammonia in the air may irritates the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and causes coughing and burns.

Asphyxiation

An asphyxiation hazard is a gas or vapour that can cause unconsciousness or death through suffocation.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a hazardous material and a known carcinogen that can be found in materials used in older buildings and structures.

Aspiration

An aspiration hazard is a hazardous substance that may be fatal if they are swallowed and enter the airways through inhalation.

Benzene

Benzene has both physical and health hazards associated with it. Benzene is a highly flammable liquid and vapor. It may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide or CO is a toxic gas that you cannot smell, see or taste and, for this reason, it is known as the ‘silent killer’. 

Diesel Exhaust

Breathing in diesel exhaust can cause lung irritation and cause an allergic reaction causing asthma. It can also make pre-existing asthma worse. 

Hydrogen Sulfide

H2S is considered a confined space hazard. It is heavier than air. It settles in low spots. This can pose risks when entering areas like confined spaces where the gas may be present. 

Isocyanates

Isocyanates are powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes and gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. 

Lead

Lead is a cumulative toxin that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children.

Liquified Petroleum Gas

LPG is an asphyxiant gas that can cause unconsciousness and/or death if oxygen levels are sufficiently reduced.

Mercury

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. All mercury compounds are toxic.

Methanol

Methanol is a clear colourless liquid that is water soluble and readily biodegradable. Other common names include wood alcohol or methyl alcohol.

NORM

NORM stands for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material. It exists in very low concentrations all around us because of radioactive elements found in the natural environment.

Ototoxins

Exposure to certain chemicals and medications can cause hearing loss or exacerbate the effects of noise. These chemicals and medications are considered ototoxic.

Propane

In high concentrations propane displaces oxygen and is an asphyxiant gas. It causes suffocation if allowed to accumulate to concentrations that reduce oxygen below safe breathing levels.

Silica

Silica is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in sand and rock. If precautions are not taken to protect workers from exposure to silica dust, chronic long-term illness can result.

Welding Fumes

Your risk from welding fumes depends on how toxic the fumes are, how concentrated the fumes is, and how long you were breathing in the fume.

UV Radiation

Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun is associated with different types of skin cancer, sunburn, accelerated skin aging, as well as cataracts and other eye diseases.

Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases, particles, and water vapor that contains pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter.