An industrial career working in a dynamic warehouse environment is wildly rewarding and engaging. While labor is challenging, many industrial employees love their jobs and the benefits for their families. Unfortunately, these career choices come with many dangers, even some life-threatening ones. If you are considering employment or already work in this complex industry, here are the common hazardous chemicals in industrial workplaces that you should watch out for.
Ethylene Oxide
Used for industrial chemical production and metalworking, EtO is highly reactive. Symptoms of exposure include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Extended exposure can cause reproductive issues, cancer development, and even mutagenic changes within the body.
Toluene
Toluene is an extremely hazardous chemical used in metal fabrication that is fast-acting and deadly. Exposure can happen from breathing it in, spilling it on your skin, or injecting the chemical—when swallowed, it causes liver and kidney failure. Symptoms of exposure include throat irritation, respiratory depression, and cracked skin.
Chromium VI
Welders are familiar with Chromium VI, as this chemical is a byproduct of torch-cutting, brazing, and soldering. It’s incredibly toxic, and safety equipment when welding is the best way to prevent physical harm.
Benzene
This chemical is used mainly in the petroleum industry for refining, rubber manufacturing, plastics, and general petrochemical production. It is present in gasoline and can cause death with long-term exposure—dizziness and unconsciousness are most common in the short term.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Also found in the petroleum industry, this chemical is quite common and potentially the deadliest material for industrial employees. It is released when natural gases are extracted and hang in the air. Known for its rotten egg aroma, it’s both toxic and combustible, making it one of the leading causes of workplace death in America. Watch out for this nasty chemical, as even short exposure is potentially fatal.
Formaldehyde
Used in general chemical industry workplaces, formaldehyde is a human carcinogen, meaning it causes cancers and other biological problems for industrial workers who manufacture resins with this chemical. High exposure may be fatal, but even short-term exposure can cause lifetime respiratory complications and eczema.
The silver lining when it comes to these common hazardous chemicals in industrial workplaces is how regulated these industries are and the protections they implement to protect their employees. If you manage or run a business that exposes people to hazardous materials, there are plenty of practice additional methods that protect workers from dangerous chemicals. As an employee, remember to look out for your well-being and report any symptoms or lack of protection you may encounter in your career.
