Top Hazardous Substances That Cause Occupational Illnesses

Exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace can cause gradual damage and lead to serious occupational illnesses.

Workers are often exposed to dangerous substances in the workplace, and this can cause disability and even death. In this post, we will discuss some of the most dangerous substances that workers are exposed to.

Asbestos

It is one of the most dangerous toxins that workers are exposed to, and has become synonymous with serious occupational illnesses and death. Each year, more than 100,000 workers get killed worldwide due to exposure to asbestos in construction sites factories and other workplaces. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious injuries such as lung cancer, respiratory illnesses, mesothelioma and others.

Silica

Silica is extremely dangerous for the respiratory system. Certain classes of workers such as those working in the mining and the refining industry are exposed to high levels of silica on the job. This increases chances of respiratory disorders, lung cancer, and cardiovascular problems.

Lead

Workers who are exposed to lead at the workplace are susceptible to poisoning. Workers in the manufacturing sector and those exposed to lead based paints are at a high risk of poisoning and may experience symptoms such as serious digestive disorders and cognitive problems.

Solvents and glues

Some classes of workers such as precisions crafters, factory workers and artists are often exposed to high levels of glue and solvents. According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, nail salon professionals are exposed to twice the amount of toxic solvents as workers in other similar jobs. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can cause cancer and brain damage.

Pesticides

Agricultural and farm workers are often exposed to hazardous levels of pesticides. When workers are exposed to high concentrations of pesticides they can cause lethal illnesses. Highly potent, modern pesticides can cause gene mutations that lead to cancer. In case pregnant women are exposed to theme chemicals, it may cause birth defects in the unborn child.

Hazardous dust

Many manufacturing processes create dust as a by-product. If the dust is not controlled properly, it can lead to fatal explosions. Workers in the wood and metal industry are often exposed to dangerous levels of dust, and report a large percentage of dust related health problems.

Radiation

Radiation is one of the deadliest workplace hazards. Workers in some professions including X-Ray technicians are exposed to high intensity radiation at the workplace. Employees is nuclear plants are also highly susceptible to radiation exposure. Radiation poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms including headaches, nausea, vomiting, reddening of the skin and severe fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms you should immediately move to a safe place and report the exposure to your supervisor.

Biohazards

More and more workers are exposed to biohazards at the workplace every day. Especially the workers in the health care sector have to deal with a variety of pathogens on a daily basis. In absence of proper safety measures, these biohazards can cause severe illnesses and even death.

Workplace Injury and Accident Causes