73. Chemical hazards in the workplace – toxic gases. Occupational health risk. Prevention.

What are the main routes of exposure to toxic gases in the workplace?

• Inhalation

• Dermal absorption

What types of effects do toxic gases cause?

• Localized effects: irritation, inflammation, necrosis, cancer

• Systemic toxicity if absorbed into circulation

Give examples of toxic gases commonly found as workplace contaminants.

• Chlorine (water treatment)

• Nitrous oxide (anaesthesia)

• Ammonia (refrigeration)

• Oxygen (liquid sources)

• Hydrogen cyanide (grain fumigation)

• Ethylene oxide (hospital sterilisation)

• How are gases and vapours classified by their toxic effects?

• Irritants

• Asphyxiants (simple and chemical)

• MiscellaneousIrritants

• Asphyxiants (simple and chemical)

• Miscellaneous

What are irritant gases and their effects?

• Cause inflammation of exposed tissues

• Effects range from mild irritation to severe lung damage

What distinguishes simple asphyxiants from chemical asphyxiants?

• Simple asphyxiants displace oxygen without direct toxicity

• Chemical asphyxiants interfere with oxygen transport or use (e.g., carbon monoxide, cyanide)

Name some miscellaneous gases and their effects.

• Helium: vocal changes

• Nitrous oxide: analgesia

• Excess oxygen: lung inflammation, edema

• Oxygen deficiency: CNS disturbances

• Vinyl chloride: liver angiosarcoma

• Benzene: leukemia

• Toluene: headache, confusion, memory loss

• Carbon disulfide: cardiac disease

What are key preventive measures against toxic gas exposure at work?

• Use respiratory masks to filter air

• Provide adequate ventilation to prevent gas accumulation