Chemicals inevitably contain harmful substances, and the level of toxicity depends on the type of chemical. While they have made significant contributions to research and practical applications, they also pose serious dangers to human health. Therefore, everyone should be aware of common industrial chemical groups that can affect human health in order to minimize their impact. The following article provides a detailed analysis of these chemical groups.
1. Dust and Gases Containing Harmful Chemicals
Image: Dangerous dust levels depend on the material in the dust.
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Dust
Dust can be a nuisance, but its danger depends on the material in the dust, the quantity, and the size of the particles. Smaller particles can pass through the filtration system and enter the lungs when inhaled. These particles are not visible to the naked eye and can only be detected under a microscope. They accumulate in the lungs over time, causing pneumonia, especially if the dust contains crystalline silica or asbestos, which are particularly hazardous.
Materials such as sand, crystalline silica-containing stones, ores, concrete, and ceramics typically generate dust that leads to the accumulation of silica in the lungs. This can result in incurable lung diseases, even if exposure stopped many years ago.
Asbestos, a natural mineral fiber resistant to heat and many chemicals, is highly dangerous. It exists in various forms and under different names: chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, actinolite, and tremolite. When this dust enters the lungs, it destroys lung tissue and can cause lung cancer. The risk of cancer is significantly higher if asbestos exposure is combined with smoking. -
Gases
Gases do not necessarily have a warning odor at hazardous concentrations. Their odor may only be noticeable at very high levels in the air. Gases can irritate the respiratory system or enter the bloodstream and cause internal damage.
Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, chlorine, and ammonia are toxic gases with corrosive properties that irritate the respiratory system. They are widely used in industry.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of organic materials. It can enter the bloodstream and cause harm. Some gases, such as hydrogen cyanide, can even penetrate the skin.
2. Solvents – Chemicals Affecting Health
Image: Solvents are among the chemicals that affect health.
Most solvents are organic liquid chemicals used for their ability to dissolve other chemicals, especially fats that do not dissolve in water. They are often flammable and can catch fire from heat sources like smoking, welding, or static electricity. Vaporized solvents move with the air and can catch fire even from distant heat sources.
The most common route of solvent exposure is through the respiratory system. However, some solvents can also penetrate healthy skin. Once in the blood, solvents are transported to other organs such as the brain and liver.
The impact of solvents on human health varies depending on their evaporation rate and water solubility. They can cause dizziness, headaches, memory loss, or fatigue. They can also affect the eyes and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to skin can degrade the protective layer and cause irritation. Some solvents are particularly dangerous for the liver, kidneys, bone marrow, or nervous system. Benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and carbon disulfide are solvents that should be replaced with less hazardous alternatives.
3. Metals
Image: Mercury poisoning can impact the nervous system.
Metals can enter the body as dust, smoke, or through the skin. One example is tetraethyl lead, used as an anti-knock agent in gasoline. Mercury vapor is commonly inhaled because this liquid metal easily evaporates at appropriate temperatures.
Lead is used in various industries such as batteries, glass, mining, cable manufacturing, casting, and printing.
Mercury is found in many pesticides and preservatives. It can accumulate in fish and cause severe neurological damage from poisoning.
Chromium compounds are widely used in industry. Cement contains small amounts of chromium compounds. These industrial chemicals can cause allergies and even lung cancer. Unlike cobalt and nickel, pure chromium metal does not cause allergic reactions. Chromium compounds can cause birth defects if mothers are exposed to them during pregnancy.
Arsenic compounds are used in pesticides and some pigments. Chronic arsenic poisoning can begin with respiratory irritation, eye inflammation, or skin problems, followed by nerve damage. Arsenic and its compounds are carcinogenic.
4. Acids and Bases
Strong acids and bases are primarily used as aqueous solutions. They corrode human tissue. The heat generated, especially when water is added to concentrated sulfuric acid, can cause severe injuries to workers due to the highly corrosive nature of the liquid. Phosphoric acid, for example, is used for metal treatment, and when exposed to hot surfaces, it can release toxic gases.
5. Pesticides
Pesticides are produced to kill or control pests. They are used in industries such as wood preservation and in agriculture to control insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents. There are many different types of pesticides, and they are also used in mixtures.
Pesticides are divided into two broad groups: organic compounds and organochlorine compounds. These are highly toxic to both insects and humans. They can damage the nervous system and even be fatal, even at low concentrations. Examples include dichlorvos, demeton, parathion, and thioazin.
Organochlorine compounds are less acutely toxic than organophosphate compounds but are slow to degrade and can accumulate in the environment and in the body.
Conclusion
In this article, we hope that our customers can recognize the negative impacts of common chemical groups on human health. By doing so, you can take appropriate measures to minimize their harmful effects. Cường Thịnh Chemical Company is one of the most trusted suppliers of industrial chemicals and cleaning chemicals. We provide a wide variety of products with different prices, all imported directly from reputable manufacturers both locally and internationally. Please contact us for consultation and assistance in purchasing the right chemicals to meet your needs.
