7 Hygienic Importance of Chemical Agents in the Workplace

Hygienic Importance: Understanding the role of chemical agents in the workplace is crucial for health and safety.

Chemical Agents: Defined as substances that, whether natural or synthetic, are produced or used in industrial activities. They can be released into the environment or exist as waste.

Toxic Agents: Occupational toxicants that enter the body through physiological pathways causing diseases.

Classification of Toxicants:

• By chemical structure: organic, inorganic
• By physical state: solid, liquid, gas
• By exposure pathway: inhalation, ingestion, absorption
• By adverse effects: irritants, suffocants, intoxicants
• By target tissues: CNS, liver, kidneys, etc.

Toxicokinetics: Studies how toxic substances behave in the body, including entry routes, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of xenobiotics.

Toxicometric Parameters:

• Lethal doses/concentrations: DLmin, DL50, etc.
• Thresholds for chronic effects (Limch) and accumulation ratios (CK).

Exposure History Components:

• Exposure Survey
• Work History
• Environmental History

Biomarkers: Indicators of exposure to toxins, effects, and individual sensitivity, helping to assess occupational health risks.

Pesticides Classification:

• By use: insecticides, fungicides, etc.
• By toxicity: Zero category (very high toxicity) to Third category (mild toxicity).

Health Risks in Agriculture:

• Plant production: exposure to chemicals, ergonomic risks, and zoonotic diseases.
• Livestock production: exposure to organic dust, harmful gases, and animal-related diseases.

Prevention of Occupational Intoxications:

• Legislative, technological, medical, and administrative measures are vital to mitigate chemical risks in the workplace.
• Use of PPE and regular monitoring of workplace conditions is essential for safety.