HEALTH HAZARD
By Faudzil Harun
Some common health hazard classification are :
1. Toxic (Very Toxic & Toxic)
Extremely serious, acute or chronic health
risk
and even death.
2.
Corrosive
Destroy living tissues on contact
with them.
3. Irritant
Non corrosive but through
repeated or prolonged
contact can cause inflammation.
4. Harmful
Limited health risk.
Special Precaution
5. Carcinogens
Substances or products which are directly involved in the promotion of
cancer or in the increase of its propagation if inhaled, swallowed or
absorbed through the skin.
6. Mutagens
Substances or products which changes the genetic material, usually DNA
of an organism and thus increases the frequency of mutations above the
natural background level if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the
skin. As many mutations cause cancer, mutagens are therefore also likely
to be carcinogens.
7. Teratogens
Substances or products which adverse effects on sexual function and
fertility and cause the development of abnormal cell masses during fetal
growth, resulting in physical defects in the fetus if inhaled, swallowed or
absorbed through the skin.
Important Safety Points
Hazardous Substance Routes of Entry are :
1. Inhalation through the lungs.
2. Ingestion through the mouth.
3. Absorption through the skin.
4. Injection into some part of the body.