CHEMICAL HAZARDS

The chemical risk is can be produced by an uncontrolled exposure to chemical agents which can cause
acute or chronic effects and the appearance of diseases. Toxic chemicals can also cause local and systemic
consequences depending on the nature of the product and the route of exposure. In many countries,
chemicals are literally thrown into nature, often with serious consequences for humans and the natural
environment. Depending on the product in question, the consequences can be serious health problems
for workers and the community and permanent damage to the natural environment. Today, almost all
workers are exposed to some kind of chemical risk because chemical products are used in almost all
branches of the industry. In fact, chemical risks are the most serious.

Penetration pathways

Inhalation

Very fine particles, gases and vapors mix with the air, penetrate the respiratory system, being able to
reach the pulmonary alveoli and from there to pass into the blood. Depending on their chemical nature,
they will cause greater or lesser effects by attacking the organs (brain, liver, kidneys, etc.). And that is why
it is essential to protect yourself. The larger particles can be filtered by the hairs and nasal mucus, where
they will be retained.

Some of the toxic gases that act by inhalation absorption:

• Carbon monoxide
• Hydrocyanic acid
• Hydrogen sulfide
• Mercury vapors

Other poisonings can be produced by absorption of vapors from solvents such as:
• Benzene
• Methanol
• Nitrobenzene

Skin absorption
Prolonged skin contact with the toxic may cause skin absorption intoxication, since the toxic can cross the
defensive barrier and be distributed throughout the body once it is entered. Especially dangerous are fat-
soluble toxins such as insecticides and other pesticides.
Ingestion
The substance ingested carries a specific risk depending on its nature, the severity of the accident and the
urgency of its care being different, which is never less. Some substances show their toxic effect
immediately, especially those of mechanical action (such as corrosives), but others do not do so until after
absorption in the digestive tract, distribution and metabolization, so they may appear to be harmless at
first moment.
Hazardous chemical
It is any harmful or harmful material, which during its manufacture, storage, transport or use, can
generate or release fumes, gases, vapors, dusts or fibers of a dangerous nature, whether explosive,
flammable, toxic, infectious, radioactive, corrosive or irritant. in quantity that are likely to cause injury
and damage to people, facilities or the environment.
According to its danger, it is classified as:

Explosives
Substances and preparations that may explode under the effect of a flame or that are sensitive to shocks
or frictions. For example: Nitroglycerin Caution: avoid shock, shock, friction, flame or heat sources.
Flammable
Substances and preparations: that can be heated and finally ignited in contact with the air at a normal
temperature without the use of energy or that, in contact with water or humid air, develop easily
flammable gases in dangerous quantities. For example: Benzene, Ethanol, Acetone, etc. Caution: avoid
contact with ignitive materials (air, water).
Extremely flammable
Substances and liquid preparations, whose flash point is between 21 ºC and 55 ºC. For example: Hydrogen,
Etino, Ethyl ether, etc. Caution: avoid contact with ignitive materials (air, water).
Oxidizers
Substances that have the ability to burn other substances, facilitating combustion and preventing fire
fighting. For example: Oxygen, Potassium Nitrate, Hydrogen Peroxide, etc. Caution: avoid contact with
combustible materials.
Corrosive
These chemicals cause destruction of living tissues and / or inert materials. For example: Hydrochloric
acid, Hydrofluoric acid, etc. Caution: Do not inhale and avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
Irritating
Non-corrosive substances and preparations that, by immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the
skin or mucous membranes, can cause an inflammatory reaction. For example: calcium chloride, sodium
carbonate, etc. Caution: gases should not be inhaled and contact with skin and eyes should be avoided.
Harmful
Substances and preparations that, by inhalation, ingestion or skin penetration, may involve temporary or
allergic health risks. For example: Ethanal, Dichloromethane, Potassium Chloride, etc. Caution: contact
with the human body should be avoided, as well as the inhalation of vapors.
Toxic
Substances and preparations that, by inhalation, ingestion or skin penetration, may involve serious, acute
or chronic health risks. For example: Barium Chloride, Carbon Monoxide, Methanol, etc. Caution: all
contact with the human body should be avoided.
Very toxic
By inhalation, intake or absorption through the skin, it causes serious health problems and even death.
For example: Cyanide, Arsenium Trioxide, Nicotine, etc. Caution: all contact with the human body should
be avoided.
Radioactive
Substances that emit harmful radiation to health.
Biological pollutant
Materials contaminated with allegedly pathogenic microorganisms.
Dangerous for the environment
The contact of that substance with the environment can cause damage to the ecosystem in the short or
long term. Precautions: due to its potential risk, it should not be released in pipes, on the ground or in the
environment. Special treatments have to be taken.
These substances are represented with universal recognition symbols, which are called pictograms, which
are represented in black characters on a yellow background, except for those that represent harmful or
irritating substances, which are represented on orange backgrounds to avoid confusion with traffic
signals.

Although there are currently no harmonized labeling requirements worldwide, international, national and
regional standards for the labeling of hazardous substances have been adopted.
IMO / IMDG / ICONTEC / DOT

REFERENCES

[5]I. Industrial, I. Industrial and V. perfil, "RIESGOS QUIMICOS", Industrialesinnovando.blogspot.com,

2019. [Online]. Available: http://industrialesinnovando.blogspot.com/2009/10/el-riesgo-quimico-es-
aquel-riesgo.html. [Accessed: 06- Nov- 2019].

[6]"Riesgo Químico", Ingeniería Industrial, 2019. [Online]. Available:

https://www.ingenieriaindustrialonline.com/herramientas-para-el-ingeniero-industrial/salud-
ocupacional/riesgo-qu%C3%ADmico/. [Accessed: 06- Nov- 2019].