Exhaust fumes - how dangerous are they?

Exhaust fumes are extremely dangerous and can seriously injure and even kill people who are exposed. Exhaust fumes from heaters, for example, contain carbon monoxide,...

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Arsenic

Arsenic compounds, which are designated hazardous substances, are used in agriculture (as an additive to feed), and insecticides, herbicides, larvicides, and pesticides; in pigment production; in...

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Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is regarded as the commonest single cause of poisoning in both industry and the home. Carbon monoxide can kill workers outright. Thousands...

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Cytotoxic drugs

Cytotoxic drugs, also referred to as antineoplastic, anticancer or cancer chemotherapy drugs, include a wide range of chemical compounds. They are extensively used to treat...

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Diesel - declared carcinogen

New Workplace Exposure Limit On 7 September, 2023, SafeWork Australia members agreed to add a workplace exposure limit (WEL) for diesel particulate matter (DPM) at...

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Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Passive smoking or second hand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) can be a serious health issue in some workplaces.  How big an issue is...

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Latex

Latex in rubber is an irritant. The most widespread use in workplaces is in the form of latex rubber gloves, used by many workers as...

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Lead

Inorganic lead is used in the form of the pure metal, alloys and compounds. Certain products also contain lead. Exposure to lead can occur in...

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Silica

Crystalline Silica What is Crystalline Silica Dust? Crystalline silica is one of the most abundant minerals in the earth's crust and is a major constituent...

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Solvents

Solvents are among the most commonly used chemicals in workplaces. Workers in different jobs regularly use solvents for degreasing, metal cleaning, and adhesion and as...

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Chemicals and contact lenses

Since 1978, the USA's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended  that workers not wear contact lenses when working with chemicals that can...

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Perfumes and scents: chemicals too!

Most of us use perfumes, scents, deodorants... but for those with allergies, asthma or multiple chemical sensitivity, the chemicals in these products can cause problems such as...

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Glutaraldehyde

    Glutaraldehyde, or 1,5-pentanedial, is a colourless oily liquid with a pungent odour and is slightly acidic in its natural state. It is soluble...

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Formaldehyde

What is formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable gas with a pungent/strong odour. Water-based solutions containing dissolved formaldehyde, known as 'formalin', are used in many...

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