Question

3] Think of an industrial, educational, or other setting: a] Name that setting and list five chemicals that are used. b] Describe how those chemicals are used. c] List specific routes of exposure to each of those chemicals in that setting

Answer 1

Hospital setting

• In hospital settings there are certain chemicals used for cleanliness. They are
• Phenolics , Quats, Iodophores , chlorine and Hydrogen peroxide .
• Phenolics - They are white or black color fluids . They are used in cleaning floors . A specific amount of chlorinated products are added to improve its properties and cleaning efficiency.
• Quats - They are ammonium based compounds . Eg cetrimide. They are effective against bacteria ,amoeba , fungi and some viruses. They are used mainly as a disinfectant .
• Iodophores - They are not basically detergents . They are used in cleaning floors . They are expensive and mainly used in cleaning before surgery procedures.
• Chlorine - this is very cheap chemical . It is effective against most of the bacteria , fungi and viruses. hence they are mainly used in any setting .
• Hydrogen peroxide - It is used in hopsital setting to clean the equipments . it is effective against viruses .

Routes of exposure

• Phenolics - They pass through mucosa and skin. They cause irritation .
• Iodophores - Breathing , contact with skin
• Quats - Inhalation , contact with skin
• Chlorine - contact with skin , eyes , inhalation .
• Hydrogen peroxide - Inhalation , ingestion , Dermal exposure and ocular exposure .