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.

EO 1.3LIST the general safety precautions regarding toxic compounds.

EO 1.4LIST the criteria used to determine if a compound is a health hazard.

EO 1.5STATE the methods by which toxic compounds may enter the body.

EO 1.6SUMMARIZE the purpose and general contents of the following:

a. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

b. Toxic Substance List

Toxic Compounds

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.

Hazard is the possibility that a material will cause injury when a specific quantity is used under specific conditions. Several key elements are considered when evaluating a health hazard.

Toxicity of the materials used

Physical properties of these materials

Absorption probabilities of these materials by individuals

Extent and intensity of exposure to these materials