Chemical exposure and hazards are no joke. They result in a wide range of health hazards which can eat away flesh, irritate the skin and result in a number of cancers. In order for a chemical to be deemed hazardous, it has to first come in contact with the body or enter it and result in a visible biological change. There are 4 main routes this can take:
- Skin contact
- Inhalation
- Injection
- Ingestion
The most common one out of these is inhalation and it is considered to be the most common way chemicals enter the body. Some chemicals can also pass through the skin and right into the bloodstream on contact. Less common ones are those that can be swallowed by accident via contaminated hands. This can be prevented if employers make sure that their workers do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where they might be exposed to toxic substances.
Injection is common in workplaces in which workers have to work regularly with sharp objects. A needle or sharp equipment can puncture the skin and deposit contaminants in the bloodstream if workers are not given thick gloves or any appropriate safety gear to handle said equipment. The eyes and the mouth are also common entry points but this can be prevented if workers are given headgear to block chemical splash back.
Irrespective of the way hazardous chemicals get into the body, once they access the bloodstream, they are distributed throughout each and every organ your blood touches. This can result in a number of cancers and organ failure if the problem is not nipped in the bud.
Incidentally, chemicals exist in one of 3 states i.e.:
Solids – such as dust particles
Liquid – a formless chemical fluid such as solvents and oils
Gas – formless substance that expands to occupy space in a container such as carbon monoxide and oxygen. These may be invisible but they can be detected via small and taste.
The physical states of harmful chemicals have a lot to do with the harm they can do when they come in contact with skin or the bloodstream. That’s because it affects the way they enter the body. For instance, a gas usually enters through inhalation while some liquids are absorbed by the skin even if they don’t burn it. In addition, since some chemicals can change their state during work processes that undergo changes in temperature and pressure, it is even more important to ensure workers are protected from them with appropriate safety gear and safe work practices.
Chemical Exposure? – Call Attorney Javier Marcos
Hire a chemical injury attorney by calling Javier Marcos and Associates. They will be your legal representatives and will ensure you file a successful claim irrespective of the chemical injuries sustained on the job. Call them by dialing 713-999-4444 / 1(800) 444-8118. Whether you were involved in the accident or a loved one is, we will ensure that you get the legal aid you need for a successful case.
https://www.attorneyjaviermarcos.com/accidents/chemical-exposure/
