Chemical hazards refer to any forms of chemicals including medications, solutions, gases, vapors, aerosols, and particulate matter that are potentially toxic or irritating to the body system.
Inhalation: Breathing gases, vapors, particulates, dust, or mist
Ingestion: Accidentally eating or drinking hazardous substances
Percutaneous: Permeation or absorbing a substance through the skin; piercing or penetration of skin with needle or other sharp device/instrument (e.g., scalpel or broken glass)
Dermal: Contact with corrosive or sensitizing materials
Antimicrobial: An agent that destroys microbes, inhibits their growth, or prevents or counteracts their pathogenic action such as antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, penicillin, and tetracycline)
Primary routes of exposure: Mucous membrane, dermal absorption, ingestion
Anesthetic gases: Gases for general anesthesia such as sevoflurane and isoflurane, halothane, nitrous oxide during surgical and dental procedures
Primary routes of exposure: Dermal absorption, inhalation
Surface cleaning and disinfecting agents: Antimicrobial agents designed to destroy microorganisms (e.g., bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, low and intermediate level disinfectants, antiseptics, hand sanitizers, detergents)
Primary routes of exposure: Inhalation, dermal absorption
Chemical sterilants: High level disinfection of surgical instruments and medical supplies that cannot withstand the autoclave process (e.g., Ethylene oxide (EtO), Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma)
Primary routes of exposure: Inhalation, dermal absorption
Latex (rubber) products: Worn to protect against bacteria and viruses (e.g., surgical and exam gloves), and tubing, tourniquets, patient care devices, which may cause allergic reactions in exposed workers
Primary routes of exposure: Dermal contact, inhalation
Surgical smoke from laser use: Generated by thermal destruction of tissue when using lasers or electrosurgical devices during surgical procedures. Surgical smoke creates a variety of toxic vapors, gases, and particulate matter
Primary route of exposure: Inhalation
Other: (e.g., adhesives, solvents used in dentistry, labs, medical/surgical procedures)
Primary routes of exposure: Inhalation, dermal absorption, percutaneous, ingestion
Engineering controlsthat are absent or inadequate: Equipment shielding, container covers/lids, biological safety cabinets
Labeling: Inadequate, illegible, or absent on original and secondary containers
Storage: High shelving, incompatible chemicals stored together, flammable chemicals stored near an ignition source
PPE: Unavailable, not used, improper type/size/fit, inadequate/no training
Local exhaust ventilation: Not installed, not positioned properly (correct height), poorly maintained, or not used
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