Question

List out the chemical occupational hazards which factory workers encounter.

Answer 1

1. Local action: Chemicals may cause dermatitis, eczema, ulcers and even cancer through direct contact with the skin.
2. Inhalation hazards:
   • Dusts: May cause lung diseases such as silicosis and anthracosis.
   • Gases: Exposure to gases such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and chlorine can cause harmful effects.
   • Metals and their compounds: Inhalation of dust or fumes of lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, chromium, etc. can cause chemical intoxication.
3. Ingestion hazards: Chemicals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, zinc, chromium, cadmium and phosphorus may enter the body through contaminated hands, food or cigarettes.

Factory workers may encounter chemical hazards through skin contact (local action), inhalation of dusts, gases and metal fumes, and ingestion of toxic chemicals.