Chemical workplaces

Thousands of different chemicals are used in large quantities in various industrial processes, and new chemicals are introduced every year. At numerous workplaces worldwide worker exposure to chemicals represents a serious health hazard.

Chemical exposure occurs in virtually all industrial processes, and is particularly prevalent when processing chemicals and metals. For instance, risk of chemical exposures is often high in processes where volatile chemicals are used and during processes taking place at high temperatures, such as welding. Metals and metallic compounds can themselves be very hazardous, and can cause allergies or cancer. Gases and vapours can, depending on their chemical composition, cause mucosal membrane irritation, allergy, dermatoses, cancers and reproductive disorders. Exposure to vapours occur when using organic solvents, for instance turpentine/white spirits, toluene and alcohols in processes and industries. Examples include welding, painting, in laboratory work, as well as work in shoe factories, in the petroleum industry and in other chemical industries.

In the next steps, we will tell about some specific workplaces with challenges related to chemical exposure.