What are chemical hazards and toxic substances?Chemical hazards and toxic substances pose a wide range of health hazards (such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity) and physical hazards (such as flammability, corrosion, and explosibility). This page provides basic information about chemical hazards and toxic substances in the workplace. While not all hazards associated with every chemical and toxic substance are addressed here, we do provide relevant links to other pages with additional information about hazards and methods to control exposure in the workplace. How does OSHA regulate worker exposure to chemicals?Worker education and training (Hazard Communication Standard) OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is designed to ensure that information about chemical and toxic substance hazards in the workplace and associated protective measures is disseminated to workers. In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of such information:
For more information see OSHA's Hazard Communication page. Allowable airborne concentrationsEmployers are required to identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in their workplaces. Various types of Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) have been established by a number of organizations, and are listed on many of OSHA’s Safety and Health webpages on chemical hazards and toxic substances. Here is an explanation of some of the different levels.
What other common terms are used when discussing chemical hazards or toxic substances?Action levelAn airborne level, typically one-half of the PEL designated in OSHA’s substance-specific standards, 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z , calculated as an eight (8)-hour time-weighted average, which initiates certain required activities such as exposure monitoring and medical surveillance.Ceiling LimitThe exposure limit a worker’s exposure may never exceed.Sampling and Analytical ErrorA statistical estimate of the uncertainty associated with a given exposure measurement.Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL)The average exposure to a contaminant to which a worker may be exposed during a short time period (typically 15 – 30 minutes).Time-Weighted Average (TWA)The average exposure to a contaminant over a given period of time, typically 8-hours. For examples of how a TWA is calculated, see the OSHA Technical Manual.How do I control chemical hazards and toxic substances?It is OSHA's long standing policy that engineering and work practice controls must be the primary means to reduce employee exposure to toxic chemicals, where feasible. Respiratory protection is required to be used if engineering or work practice controls are infeasible or while engineering controls are being implemented. For more information on engineering controls/administrative controls see the Controlling Exposure page. What are the requirements for respirator use?When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be used. Employers must provide appropriate respiratory protection at no cost to workers, provide appropriate training and education regarding its use, and ensure that workers use it properly. (See 29 CFR 1910.134 or OSHA's Respiratory Protection Safety and Health Topics Page) Where can I find other information relating to specific chemicals?First, explore this Safety and Health Topic webpage that includes links to much of the related information available from OSHA, in addition, near the top of this page is a list of other Safety and Health Topic pages which address specific chemicals. Other sections contain information or links on subjects such as laboratory safety, and Hazard Communication or Process Safety. The OSHA Occupational Chemical Database compiles information from several government agencies and organizations. Information available on the pages includes chemical identification and physical properties, exposure limits, sampling information, and additional resources. The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards contains information on several hundred chemicals commonly found in the workplace; The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substances Inventory lists information on more than 62,000 chemicals or chemical substances; EPA’s ChemView provides information on test data and assessments; some libraries maintain files of material safety data sheets (MSDS) for more than 100,000 substances. StandardsChemical hazards and toxic substances are addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry, maritime, and construction. More » Hazard RecognitionProvides references that aid in recognizing hazards associated with chemical hazards and toxic substances. More » Controlling ExposureProvides information that may aid in controlling workplace hazards associated with chemical hazards and toxic substances. More » Additional ResourcesProvides links and references to additional resources related to chemical hazards and toxic substances. More » What are chemicals that cause cancer called?Substances known to cause cancer are called carcinogens. Coming into contact with a carcinogen does not mean you will get cancer. It depends on what you were exposed to, how often you were exposed, and how much you were exposed to, among other things.
What is the term for a cancer causing substance in the environment?Benzene, asbestos, vinyl chloride, radon, and arsenic are examples of toxic substances that can increase the risk of cancer to those who are exposed. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified these substances as “known human carcinogens.”
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