Free Database of 50 Most Common Occupational Allergens
Dive into our comprehensive database of 50 occupational allergens and learn about their health effects, industries affected, and preventive measures to keep workers safe.
Welcome to our detailed guide on occupational allergens, substances found in workplaces that can trigger allergic reactions.
These allergens are widespread across industries and can impact workers' health significantly, affecting productivity and posing potential legal issues for businesses.
This blog post provides an extensive database of 50 common occupational allergens, spotlighting this vital issue.
These allergens span from natural rubber, metals, various chemicals to animal proteins, and different types of dust. They can lead to a range of health issues from mild allergies to severe respiratory problems and skin conditions.
Our database serves as a valuable tool for employers, employees, and health professionals alike.
It assists in identifying, managing, and understanding the potential risks of these allergens, leading to better health management and safer work environments.
Understanding Occupational Allergens
Occupational allergens are substances or materials found in workplaces that can instigate an immune response in sensitive individuals. They encompass a diverse spectrum of materials like plant products, animal proteins, metals, chemicals, dusts, and more.
These allergens can cause allergies when individuals inhale, touch, or ingest them. They prompt the immune system to react, causing symptoms that can range from mild, such as skin rashes and sneezing, to severe, like asthma or anaphylaxis.
In some cases, regular exposure to these allergens can also lead to chronic conditions, significantly impacting an individual's quality of life.
Identifying and managing occupational allergens is vital. Awareness and understanding of these allergens can significantly help mitigate risks, protect workers' health, and ensure a safe and productive working environment.
Whether you're an employer, an employee, or a healthcare provider, comprehending the nature and impact of occupational allergens is the first step towards building a safer workplace.
Exploring the Database of 50 Common Occupational Allergens
This unique database stands as a comprehensive compilation of 50 common occupational allergens.
The structure of this database is meticulously organized to provide you with a full spectrum of data, offering crucial insights into each allergen, its characteristics, and its effects on human health.
Each allergen is detailed in a format that includes the following information:
- Description: A brief explanation of what the allergen is and where it comes from.
- Chemical/Physical Properties: Information on the inherent properties of the allergen.
- Industries Affected: A rundown of sectors or industries where exposure to the allergen may be common.
- Common Exposure Routes: An overview of how individuals might come into contact with the allergen.
- Health Effects: Details about the potential health implications of exposure, both immediate and long-term.
- Regulatory Limits and Guidelines: Information about occupational exposure limits and guidelines, if any.
- Prevention Measures: Suggestions on how to prevent exposure to the allergen.
- Engineering Controls: Recommended controls in the design or redesign of workplaces or equipment to minimize exposure.
- Administrative Controls: Procedures or policies that can help reduce exposure.
- Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Information on the type of PPE that should be used when dealing with the allergen.
- Emergency Measures, First Aid Procedures: Guidelines on what to do in case of an emergency involving the allergen.
- Spill/Leak Control Procedures: Measures to control spills or leaks, if applicable.
- Fire Safety Precautions: Safety measures to prevent or handle fires related to the allergen.
- Additional Resources: Links to further information on the allergen for interested readers.
Through this database, our goal is to provide an insightful resource that aids in understanding, identifying, and managing occupational allergens in various work environments, ultimately contributing to healthier and safer workplaces.
Here's a list of 50 common occupational allergens categorized by their sources, along with brief suggestions on how to manage them:
- Latex (natural rubber)
- Flour (bakeries, food industry)
- Wood dust (carpentry, woodworking)
- Animal dander (veterinarians, pet groomers, laboratory workers)
- Insect proteins (entomologists, pest control)
- Isocyanates (paints, adhesives, foam)
- Metals (nickel, chromium, cobalt)
- Epoxy resins (construction, automotive)
- Formaldehyde (laboratories, manufacturing)
- Fungal enzymes (food, pharmaceutical industry)
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (cleaning products)
- Hairdressing chemicals (hair salons)
- Acrylates (dentistry, nail salons)
- Ammonia (cleaning products, laboratories)
- Benzene (laboratories, manufacturing)
- Chlorine (swimming pool maintenance, cleaning)
- Dyes (textile industry, printing)
- Asbestos (construction, demolition)
- Silica dust (construction, sandblasting)
- Grain dust (farming, grain storage)
- Pesticides (farming, landscaping)
- Petroleum products (automotive, refineries)
- Soldering fumes (electronics, manufacturing)
- Solvents (printing, painting, cleaning)
- Styrene (plastics, rubber industry)
- Toluene (paints, adhesives, cleaning)
- Xylene (paints, laboratories, manufacturing)
- Diesel exhaust (trucking, mechanics)
- Ethylene oxide (sterilization, manufacturing)
- Glutaraldehyde (disinfection, laboratories)
- Phthalates (plastics, cosmetics)
- Diacetyl (food flavoring, popcorn production)
- Hydrogen sulfide (wastewater treatment, petroleum industry)
- Carbon black (rubber, printing ink production)
- Welding fumes (welding, metalworking)
- Quinine (pharmaceuticals, tonic water production)
- Carbon monoxide (combustion engines, manufacturing)
- Sulfuric acid (battery production, chemical industry)
- Anhydrides (plastics, textiles, pharmaceuticals)
- Persulfates (hair bleaching, cleaning)
- Detergents (cleaning products, laboratories)
- Nitric acid (laboratories, manufacturing)
- Aliphatic amines (chemical industry, rubber)
- Beryllium (aerospace, electronics)
- Cadmium (batteries, metalworking)
- Chromium VI (metal plating, leather tanning)
- Cobalt (hard metal industry, aerospace)
- Cotton dust (textile industry, clothing production)
- Leather dust (leather industry, shoe manufacturing)
- Talc (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, ceramics)
Now, let's discuss these occupational allergens in details.
Latex
Information Category | Latex (natural rubber) |
---|---|
Description | Latex is a natural milky sap derived from the rubber tree, often used to manufacture gloves, medical supplies, and various consumer products. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Milky sap, natural rubber, proteins, and chemicals |
Industries Affected | Healthcare, manufacturing, food service, automotive, etc. |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact |
Health Effects | Allergic reactions, respiratory issues, skin irritation |
Short-term Effects | Itching, redness, swelling, hives, sneezing, runny nose, coughing |
Long-term Effects | Allergic rhinitis, asthma, contact dermatitis |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | OSHA recommends the use of powder-free gloves with reduced protein content in healthcare settings |
Prevention Measures | Substitute latex products with synthetic alternatives, educate employees |
Engineering Controls | Proper ventilation, localized exhaust systems |
Administrative Controls | Training, implementing latex-safe policies, proper labeling of latex-containing products |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use non-latex gloves, masks, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
First Aid | Treat mild symptoms with antihistamines or corticosteroids, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Proper storage and disposal of latex products |
Fire Safety | Latex can burn, follow general fire safety guidelines |
Additional Resources | AAAAI, OSHA |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Flour (bakeries, food industry)
Information Category | Flour (bakeries, food industry) |
---|---|
Description | Flour is a fine powder made from grains or other starchy food sources, used in the food industry, especially in bakeries. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Fine powder, starch, proteins |
Industries Affected | Bakeries, food manufacturing, restaurants, catering |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact |
Health Effects | Allergic reactions, respiratory issues, skin irritation |
Short-term Effects | Itching, redness, swelling, hives, sneezing, runny nose, coughing |
Long-term Effects | Allergic rhinitis, asthma, contact dermatitis, baker's asthma |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | None specific, general occupational safety guidelines apply |
Prevention Measures | Implement proper ventilation and work practices, minimize airborne dust |
Engineering Controls | Proper ventilation, localized exhaust systems, dust collection systems |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper labeling of flour-containing products |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use dust masks, gloves, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
First Aid | Treat mild symptoms with antihistamines or corticosteroids, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Clean up spills promptly, using proper equipment |
Fire Safety | Flour dust can be combustible, follow general fire safety guidelines |
Additional Resources | NIOSH, OSHA |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Wood dust (carpentry, woodworking)
Information Category | Wood Dust (carpentry, woodworking) |
---|---|
Description | Wood dust is a byproduct of woodworking, created by cutting, sanding, and shaping wood. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Fine organic particles, varying composition depending on wood type |
Industries Affected | Carpentry, woodworking, furniture manufacturing, construction, sawmills |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact |
Health Effects | Allergic reactions, respiratory issues, skin irritation, eye irritation |
Short-term Effects | Itching, redness, swelling, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, eye irritation |
Long-term Effects | Allergic rhinitis, asthma, contact dermatitis, woodworker's lung, nasal cancer (in some cases) |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for wood dust: 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable dust) |
Prevention Measures | Implement proper ventilation and work practices, minimize airborne dust |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems, proper equipment maintenance |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper labeling of wood-containing products |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use dust masks, gloves, eye protection, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
First Aid | Treat mild symptoms with antihistamines or corticosteroids, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Clean up wood dust promptly, using proper equipment |
Fire Safety | Wood dust can be combustible, follow general fire safety guidelines |
Additional Resources | NIOSH, OSHA |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Animal dander
Information Category | Animal Dander (veterinarians, pet groomers, laboratory workers) |
---|---|
Description | Animal dander consists of microscopic skin cells, hair, and fur shed by animals, along with proteins found in their saliva and urine. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Fine organic particles, proteins |
Industries Affected | Veterinary medicine, pet grooming, animal care facilities, laboratory work with animals, pet stores, zoos |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact |
Health Effects | Allergic reactions, respiratory issues, skin irritation, eye irritation |
Short-term Effects | Itching, redness, swelling, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, eye irritation |
Long-term Effects | Allergic rhinitis, asthma, contact dermatitis, animal dander allergy |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | No specific regulatory limits for animal dander; follow general guidelines for indoor air quality and allergen control |
Prevention Measures | Implement proper ventilation and work practices, minimize airborne dander, regular cleaning of animal facilities |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners, proper equipment maintenance |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper labeling of animal-containing products |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use dust masks, gloves, eye protection, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
First Aid | Treat mild symptoms with antihistamines or corticosteroids, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Clean up animal dander promptly, using proper equipment |
Fire Safety | Follow general fire safety guidelines |
Additional Resources | NIOSH, OSHA |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Insect proteins
Information Category | Insect Proteins (entomologists, pest control) |
---|---|
Description | Insect proteins are found in various parts of insects, including their body, feces, and secretions, and can cause allergic reactions. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Organic proteins |
Industries Affected | Entomology, pest control, research laboratories, food industry (insect-based products) |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion |
Health Effects | Allergic reactions, respiratory issues, skin irritation, eye irritation |
Short-term Effects | Itching, redness, swelling, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, eye irritation |
Long-term Effects | Allergic rhinitis, asthma, contact dermatitis, insect protein allergy |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | No specific regulatory limits for insect proteins; follow general guidelines for indoor air quality and allergen control |
Prevention Measures | Proper ventilation and work practices, minimizing exposure to insect proteins, regular cleaning of work areas |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners, proper equipment maintenance |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper labeling of insect-containing products |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use dust masks, gloves, eye protection, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
First Aid | Treat mild symptoms with antihistamines or corticosteroids, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Clean up insect protein-containing materials promptly, using proper equipment |
Fire Safety | Follow general fire safety guidelines |
Additional Resources | NIOSH, OSHA |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Isocyanates
Information Category | Isocyanates (paints, adhesives, foam) |
---|---|
Description | Isocyanates are reactive chemicals used in the production of polyurethane products like paints, adhesives, and foam. They can cause respiratory and skin sensitization. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Organic compounds, low molecular weight, reactive |
Industries Affected | Automotive, construction, manufacturing, painting, furniture, insulation, adhesives, foam production |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact |
Health Effects | Respiratory sensitization, skin sensitization, asthma, allergic contact dermatitis, eye irritation |
Short-term Effects | Irritation of eyes, nose, throat, skin; coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness |
Long-term Effects | Chronic respiratory issues, asthma, sensitization, potential risk of occupational asthma |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | OSHA has permissible exposure limits (PELs) for specific isocyanates, and NIOSH has recommended exposure limits (RELs) |
Prevention Measures | Use less hazardous alternatives, proper ventilation, containment, and work practices |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed processes, proper equipment maintenance |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper handling and storage of isocyanate-containing materials |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use respirators, gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for chemical spills or fires, first aid for exposure to isocyanates |
First Aid | Remove from exposure, flush eyes or skin with water, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Absorbent materials, containment, proper disposal, ventilation |
Fire Safety | Use appropriate fire-fighting measures and equipment for chemical fires |
Additional Resources | OSHA, NIOSH |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Metals
Information Category | Metals (nickel, chromium, cobalt) |
---|---|
Description | Metals such as nickel, chromium, and cobalt are used in various industries and can cause skin and respiratory sensitization. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Solid, metallic elements; varying melting points, densities, and reactivity |
Industries Affected | Manufacturing, construction, aerospace, automotive, metalworking, jewelry, electroplating, mining, welding |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion |
Health Effects | Skin sensitization, respiratory sensitization, contact dermatitis, asthma, lung irritation, potential carcinogenic effects (chromium) |
Short-term Effects | Skin rashes, itching, redness, irritation of eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system |
Long-term Effects | Chronic skin problems, lung issues, asthma, increased risk of cancer (chromium) |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | OSHA and NIOSH have established permissible exposure limits (PELs) and recommended exposure limits (RELs) for these metals |
Prevention Measures | Use less hazardous alternatives, proper ventilation, containment, work practices |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems, closed systems |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper handling and storage of metal-containing materials |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use respirators, gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for chemical spills or fires, first aid for exposure to metals |
First Aid | Remove from exposure, flush eyes or skin with water, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Absorbent materials, containment, proper disposal, ventilation |
Fire Safety | Use appropriate fire-fighting measures and equipment for metal fires |
Additional Resources | OSHA, NIOSH |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Epoxy Resins
Information Category | Epoxy Resins (construction, automotive) |
---|---|
Description | Epoxy resins are polymer materials used as adhesives, coatings, and in composite materials for their strong bonding properties. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Thermosetting polymers, solid or liquid form, can be mixed with curing agents, hardeners or other additives to achieve desired properties |
Industries Affected | Construction, automotive, aerospace, marine, electronics, flooring, manufacturing of composite materials |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact |
Health Effects | Skin sensitization, respiratory sensitization, eye irritation, respiratory irritation |
Short-term Effects | Skin rashes, itching, redness, irritation of eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system |
Long-term Effects | Chronic skin problems, asthma, lung issues, possible sensitization |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | OSHA and NIOSH have established guidelines for exposure to epoxy resins and related compounds |
Prevention Measures | Use less hazardous alternatives, proper ventilation, containment, work practices |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, closed systems |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper handling and storage of epoxy resin-containing materials |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use respirators, gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for chemical spills, first aid for exposure to epoxy resins |
First Aid | Remove from exposure, flush eyes or skin with water, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Absorbent materials, containment, proper disposal, ventilation |
Fire Safety | Use appropriate fire-fighting measures and equipment for epoxy resin fires |
Additional Resources | OSHA, NIOSH |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Formaldehyde
Information Category | Formaldehyde (laboratories, manufacturing) |
---|---|
Description | Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical used in building materials and various household products. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Gas at room temperature, water-soluble, pungent odor, flammable |
Industries Affected | Laboratories, manufacturing, textiles, wood products, healthcare, funeral services, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion |
Health Effects | Eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory issues, skin irritation, nausea, headaches |
Short-term Effects | Burning sensations in eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, wheezing, nausea, skin irritation |
Long-term Effects | Sensitization, chronic respiratory problems, cancer (classified as a known human carcinogen) |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | OSHA PEL: 0.75 ppm (time-weighted average); NIOSH REL: 0.016 ppm (time-weighted average), 0.1 ppm (short-term exposure limit) |
Prevention Measures | Substitution, proper ventilation, containment, work practices |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, closed systems |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper handling and storage of formaldehyde-containing materials |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use respirators, gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for chemical spills, first aid for exposure to formaldehyde |
First Aid | Remove from exposure, flush eyes or skin with water, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Absorbent materials, containment, proper disposal, ventilation |
Fire Safety | Use appropriate fire-fighting measures and equipment for formaldehyde fires |
Additional Resources | OSHA, NIOSH |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Fungal Enzymes
Information Category | Fungal Enzymes (food, pharmaceutical industry) |
---|---|
Description | Fungal enzymes are proteins derived from fungi, used for various industrial processes, including food production and drug manufacturing. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Protein-based, can be present as solids, liquids, or gases depending on the source and production process |
Industries Affected | Food, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, brewing, animal feed, agriculture |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion |
Health Effects | Respiratory issues, skin irritation, eye irritation, allergic reactions, sensitization |
Short-term Effects | Coughing, sneezing, itching, redness, skin rash, eye irritation |
Long-term Effects | Sensitization, asthma, chronic respiratory problems |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | No specific limits, but general guidelines for worker exposure to biological agents apply |
Prevention Measures | Proper ventilation, containment, good work practices, hygiene measures |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed systems |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper handling and storage of materials containing fungal enzymes |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use respirators, gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for spills or exposure incidents, first aid for exposure to fungal enzymes |
First Aid | Remove from exposure, flush eyes or skin with water, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Absorbent materials, containment, proper disposal, ventilation |
Fire Safety | Use appropriate fire-fighting measures and equipment for fires involving fungal enzymes |
Additional Resources | OSHA, NIOSH |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Information Category | Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (cleaning products) |
---|---|
Description | Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as quats, are chemical agents found in a variety of cleaning and disinfecting products. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Cationic surfactants, colorless, odorless, soluble in water |
Industries Affected | Cleaning, healthcare, food service, manufacturing, personal care products |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion |
Health Effects | Skin irritation, eye irritation, respiratory issues, allergic reactions |
Short-term Effects | Redness, itching, burning sensation, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing |
Long-term Effects | Sensitization, chronic respiratory problems, asthma |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | No specific limits, but general guidelines for worker exposure to hazardous chemicals apply |
Prevention Measures | Proper ventilation, containment, good work practices, hygiene measures |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed systems |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper handling and storage of quat-containing materials |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use respirators, gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for spills or exposure incidents, first aid for exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds |
First Aid | Remove from exposure, flush eyes or skin with water, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Absorbent materials, containment, proper disposal, ventilation |
Fire Safety | Use appropriate fire-fighting measures and equipment for fires involving quat-containing products |
Additional Resources | OSHA, NIOSH, EPA |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Hairdressing Chemicals
Information Category | Hairdressing Chemicals (hair salons) |
---|---|
Description | Hairdressing chemicals include a wide range of substances used in hair salons for hair coloring, perming, relaxing, and styling. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Vary widely depending on the specific chemical, including powders, liquids, and aerosols |
Industries Affected | Hair salons, barber shops, beauty schools, personal care product manufacturing |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion |
Health Effects | Skin irritation, eye irritation, respiratory issues, allergic reactions, chemical burns |
Short-term Effects | Redness, itching, burning sensation, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing |
Long-term Effects | Sensitization, chronic respiratory problems, asthma, dermatitis |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | No specific limits, but general guidelines for worker exposure to hazardous chemicals apply |
Prevention Measures | Proper ventilation, containment, good work practices, hygiene measures |
Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed systems |
Administrative Controls | Training, rotating job tasks, scheduling breaks, proper handling and storage of hairdressing chemicals |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Use respirators, gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and other protective gear |
Emergency Measures | Emergency response plan for spills or exposure incidents, first aid for exposure to hairdressing chemicals |
First Aid | Remove from exposure, flush eyes or skin with water, seek medical help for severe reactions |
Spill/Leak Control | Absorbent materials, containment, proper disposal, ventilation |
Fire Safety | Use appropriate fire-fighting measures and equipment for fires involving hairdressing chemicals |
Additional Resources | OSHA, NIOSH |
Note: Please use this table as a reference and ensure to verify the information provided, as well as consult official guidelines and regulations.
Acrylates
Information Category | Acrylates (dentistry, nail salons) |
---|---|
Description | Acrylates are a group of chemicals commonly used in dentistry and nail salons for bonding agents, dental fillings, and nail enhancements. |
Chemical/Physical Properties | Acrylates are typically in liquid or gel form, and they harden or polymerize upon exposure to light or heat. |
Industries Affected | Dentistry, nail salons, cosmetic manufacturing |
Common Exposure Routes | Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion |
Health Effects | Skin irritation, eye irritation, respiratory issues, allergic reactions, chemical burns |
Short-term Effects | Redness, itching, burning sensation, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing |
Long-term Effects | Sensitization, chronic respiratory problems, asthma, dermatitis |
Regulatory Limits and Guidelines | No specific limits, but general guidelines for worker exposure to hazardous chemicals apply |
Prevention Measures | Proper ventilation, containment, good work practices, hygiene measures |
Engineering Controls |