Question

Discuss an environmental occupational toxicant that has been in the news within the last 6 months. Discuss the concerns that have brought media attention to this toxicant. Discuss the common route of entry, health concerns, and symptoms that indicate toxicity of this chemical. Reflect on ways that this chemical may be avoided or the health concerns eradicated.

Answer 1

Answer:

An environmental occupational toxicant that has been in the news within last 6 months:

• Environmental occupational toxicant: Hydrogen fluoride.
• News: This chemical was in news recently based on a published report related to its highly toxic properties and potential catastrophic risks involved with using Hydrogen sulfide in oil refineries.

Common route of entry:

• Exposure can occur through inhalation and skin contact.

Health concerns:

• Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, highly flammable, explosive and toxic gas. It is used in many different industrial applications that include Petroleum production and refining, wastewater treatment, Textile manufacturing, Pulp and paper processing, Mining etc.
• Hydrogen sulfide can cause permanent damage to eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system and bones. It can cause deep and severe burns. Exposure to high levels can also cause death.

Symptoms that indicate toxicity of this chemical:

• Nausea, tearing of eyes, headaches, coughing, eye irritation, altered breathing
• When exposed to high concentrations (200-300 ppm) it can cause Marked conjunctivitis and respiratory tract irritation after 1 hour.
• When exposed to extremely high concentrations (500-700 ppm) it can cause staggering and collapse in 5 minutes. Serious damage to the eyes in 30 minutes. Death after 30-60 minutes.

Reflect on ways that this chemical may be avoided or the health concerns eradicated:

• Provides the important safety precautions for hydrogen sulfide.
• In events of leakage, test the air for the presence and concentration of hydrogen sulfide by a qualified person using test equipment. Ventilate the space if gas is present.
• Use appropriate respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE).