Introduction to Chemical And Biological Health Hazards

Some of these illnesses in extreme cases can cause

fatality, however more commonly they lead to
illnesses such as skin sensitisation and respiratory
disease. It is estimated that within the UK 30% of all
cancers have an occupational link.
 Chemical Agents
Chemicals can be transported by numerous agents
and using many forms. Here is a brief description of
the main types of chemical agents present in the
workplace and further down the page Chemical and
Biological Health Hazards and Risk Control.
• Dusts
• Gases
• Vapours
• Liquids
• Mists
• Fumes
Dusts – Dust are solid particles that are suspended
in the air for a period of time depending upon the
weight of the particle will determine the time it is
suspended in the air. The dust particles can vary in
size from around 0.4mm up to 10mm. The small fine
dust particles are considered more hazardous due to
the fact that they can penetrate the bodies natural
defenses and affect our lungs, this is known as
respirable dust, and in some circumstances this dust
can even enter our blood and cause damage to our
organs. Some examples of these fine dusts are
cement and silica dust. Repeated exposure may lead
to long term chronic ill health such as lung disease
Gases– Substances which are present at a
temperature above their boiling point, steam is
a gaseous form of water. Gases are absorbed
into our bloodstream and may cause harm such
as carbon monoxide.
Vapours – Vapours are substances which are close to
their boiling point, they are gaseous in form. The
vapours if inhaled, enter our bloodstream and may
cause short term ill health effects such as drowsiness
and dizziness. They are also capable of causing long
term ill health effects such as brain damage.
 Liquids – Substances which usually exist at
temperatures between their freezing and boiling
points. Often referred to as fluids in health and
safety legislation.
 Mists – Substances that are similar to vapors but
are closer to liquids, as such they are small liquid
droplets suspended in vapor. Mists can be
produced during a car spray paint task.
 Fumes – This substance is a collection of tiny
metallic particles which have condensed from
the gaseous state. they are less than 1mm in
diameter. Fumes can be generated from welding
activity and the particles tend to be within the
fine respirable range which is 0.4mm up to 1mm
which may lead to long term ill health effects
such as permanent lung damage. The nature of
harm will depend upon the duration of exposure
and what substance is in use.
Biological Agents

Look briefly at chemical agents and biological hazards

can be transported by numerous forms of agent such as:

 Fungi

 Moulds

 Bacteria

 Viruses
 Fungi – These are small organisms which can appear as
plant like such as a mushroom. However unlike plants,
they are unable to produce their own food and live off
organic matter, animals, plants and parasites. Fungi
reproduce using spores, which may cause allergic reaction
when inhaled. Fungal infections can range from minor to
severe and are usually treated with antibiotics.

 Moulds – These are a small group of fungi which under

damp conditions grow on surfaces such as walls and foods
such as cheese. Some mould is beneficial such as penicillin
or may cause harm by infecting our lungs (Farmers Lung)
and may lead to asthma. Farmers lung is contracted from
breathing in mould spores, hay dust and animal grain dust.
Bacteria – These are small organisms . they can live
outside of our body. They are controlled through the
use of antibiotics. Not all bacteria is harmful to
humans, it is bacteria which helps us to break down
food during digestion. However harmful Bacteria
such as legionnaires, tuberculosis and tetanus can
cause severe and even fatal harm. Bacteria can be
controlled through temperature and filtration.
Viruses – These are tiny non-cellular
organisms. Smaller than bacteria and cannot
be controlled by antibiotics. New virus strains
are continually developing. They can be
treated and defeated by the human bodies
natural defences and healing system.
Medication can be used to treat the symptoms
but are unable to cure it. The HIV virus spreads
AIDS. The common cold is a viral infection and
unfortunately the Corona virus fits into this
section.
Classification of Hazardous Substances and Associated
Risks to health

A hazardous substance can

cause ill health to persons at
work such as certain paints and
fumes or naturally occurring
such as dusts. Hazardous Mutagenic
Irritant
Carcinogenic
Corrosive
Harmful
Toxic
substances are classified
according to the severity and
type of hazard they present
when a person comes into
contact with them
 Hazard Statements
Hazard Statements (H-Statements) are part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and
Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Hazard statements provide standardized wording to indicate the hazards of
a product including, when appropriate, the degree of the hazard. A hazard statement is a phrase that
describes the nature of the hazard in the substance or mixture. A hazard statement will be determined
by the application of the classification criteria. Examples of hazard statements include: Causes serious
eye damage. Toxic if swallowed.
Routes of Entry into the Body of Hazardous Substances

Inhalation- This is where a hazardous substance enters through normal breathing activity. This is
the most common route of entry and the substances can be chemical, biological such as
bacterial and fungi. They enter the lungs and gain access to our blood stream and organs.

Absorption – This is where a substance can enter our body through the pores in our skin or
through a wound.

Ingestion – The substance enters our body through the mouth and swallowed into our stomach
and digestive system. Poor hand hygiene is a major factor when considering this method of
entry.

Injection/ Puncture – This is where a substance enters our body through injection and or
puncture such as a needle stick from a discarded syringe or injury from equipment that may
inject a hazardous substance into the body through the wound.
Thank You For
Attention