In some industries, poisonous materials have
long been used and recognized to be potential hazards. But hazards today are
in- creasing as the result of technical advances and introduction of many new
chemicals and synthetic materials. We can consider here the more common
industrial toxic materials, but there are far too many to be dealt with in a
book of this nature. Workers, however, can, and should, familiarize themselves
with materials they are using and find out whether they contain poisonous
ingredients. There are certain general precautions of value in many situations
involving the handling of toxic materials. Masks, gloves, and respiratory
devices should, of course, be used whenever necessary and feasible.
Against carbon monoxide and other poisonous
gases, good ventilation is the best protection. If the work is such that fumes
are produced, an air- line respirator and safety line should be worn. It's
important to be on the alert for such symptoms as headache, vomiting,
dizziness, and flushing of the face, which may warn of the beginning of a toxic
condition. Do not eat in rooms where poisonous substances are handled.
Cleanliness is vital: use plenty of soap and water, especially prior to eating
and before going home. Be sure to have regular medical checks, preferably on
the job by a plant physician. These are the more common industrial poisons and
some of the jobs in which they may be involved: Lead poisoning can menace color
and dye makers, electroplaters, painters and paint makers, petroleum refiners,
automobile workers, storage- battery workers, varnish makers, sheet-metal
workers, lithographers, insecticide makers, explosives workers, rubber workers,
and zinc miners. Most dangerous are soluble forms of lead which may form
deposits in drinking cups.
Slow lead poisoning can result from small daily
inhalation of lead dust over a period of time. The poison affects stomach,
brain, and nervous system. It may produce paralysis of frequently used muscles,
much as those of a painter's right hand, proper clothing, good ventilation,
regular medical checks-are of critical importance. Carbon monoxide poisoning
can be a hazard for blast furnace workers, firemen, airplane pilots, cooks,
petroleum refinery workers, plumbers, welders, miners, compressed-air workers,
and others. Early symptoms include abdominal pains, headaches, nausea, and
dizziness. In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. Efficient
ventilation is essential for preventing accumulation of carbon monoxide fumes.
The gas affects the hemoglobin of the blood, usurping the place of vital oxygen
and depriving tissues of adequate oxygen supply. For first aid, fresh air and,
if necessary, an oxygen tank and artificial respiration can be effective.
Benzol and carbon tetracholoride are used in
such industries as lacquer making, leather processing, dry cleaning, soap
making, electroplating, dye making, and the manufacture of paint and paint
removers. Benzol (or benzene) is a colorless liquid with penetrating odor. It
evaporates quickly but gives off a poisonous vapor. It is possible to develop
benzol poisoning by breathing concentrated fumes for only a few minutes
although gradual poisoning is more common. For protection, the worker should
wear an air-line respirator and safety belt. All machinery containing benzol
should be shut down regularly and checked for leaks. Adequate ventilation is
essential and regular medical checkups are needed.
Any unusual bleeding, especially a sudden
nosebleed, calls for immediate medical attention. People who have heart
disease, anemia, tuberculosis, or a tendency to bleed easily should not work in
plants where benzol is used. In addition to causing such symptoms as nausea,
headaches, and nose and throat irritation, carbon tetrachloride is a serious
threat because of the injury it can inflict on liver and kidneys. If you work
with carbon tetrachloride, be sure to take all the precautions described above
for benzol.
