Chemicals can be dangerous in a number of different ways.

Any Chemical material that has the potential to endanger humans or the environment is considered a chemical hazard. This includes substances that are understood to be hazardous and those that might not have undergone thorough testing for workplace safety.

Chemicals can be dangerous in a number of different ways. They could be:

1. Toxic

Toxic chemicals come in a wide range of forms and are present in a wide range of goods and materials. While some dangerous compounds are created by humans, others are found in nature.

It is possible for toxic compounds to enter the body through the skin, lungs, or digestive system. Additionally, they can be absorbed through the skin, eaten, or inhaled. The effects of hazardous substances on the body might include cancer, issues with reproduction and development, neurological diseases, and other maladies.

You can lessen your exposure to harmful chemicals in a number of ways. You can use secure substitutes or pick products devoid of hazardous substances. When using products that contain hazardous chemicals, you can also take precautions to lessen your exposure.

Many common products contain toxic compounds, including pesticides, cleaning products, building materials, furniture, car interiors, clothing, toys, electronics, etc.

Some of the most common toxic chemicals include:

• Asbestos
• Benzene
• Chlorinated solvents
• Dioxins and furans
• Formaldehyde
• Lead
• Mercury
• Pesticides
• Toluene

2. Corrosives

Corrosives are compounds that can corrode metal, biological tissue, or other materials when they come into touch with them. Strong acids and bases are some corrosives, while irritants cause tissue harm without being chemically reactive. Whatever their chemical composition, all corrosives pose a substantial risk to the health and safety of workers.

Acids are chemicals that, when dissolved in water, give off hydrogen ions (H⁺). Acids such as nitric acid (HNO₃), sulfuric acid (HCl), and hydrochloric acid (H₂SO₄) are typical examples. Bases are chemicals that, when dissolved in water, give out hydroxide ions (OH^-). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) are typical examples of bases.

Oxidizing agents are chemicals that lead to the oxidation or loss of electrons in other compounds. Oxidizing substances include, for instance, nitric acid (HNO₃), oxygen (O₂), and chlorine (Cl₂). Chemicals that reduce or acquire electrons in other substances are known as reducing agents. The reducing agents, hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) are typical examples.

Depending on the type of chemical involved and the level of exposure, corrosives can have a number of health impacts. While bases can result in chemical burns and irritation, acids can result in burns to the skin and eyes. While asphyxiation can result from reducing chemicals, respiratory irritation and burning can be brought on by oxidizing substances.

Corrosives Chemical Examples:

• Sulfuric acid
• Hydrochloric acid
• Nitric acid
• Sodium hydroxide
• Potassium hydroxide
• Chlorine
• Oxygen
• Hydrogen
• Carbon monoxide

3. Oxidizers

Oxidizers are compounds that can start the combustion of other materials or help it along. Oxidizers include a wide variety of everyday substances like oxygen, chlorine, and nitric acid. Even though oxidizers themselves might not be combustible, they can help other things burn.

The risks that are caused by oxidizers can be controlled in a number of ways. One is to swap out the more hazardous substance for one that is less reactive. The use of engineering controls, such as ventilation systems that remove oxidizing gases from the air, is another way to reduce exposure. Exposure to oxidizing agents can also be reduced by administrative measures like work practices and procedures.

Oxidizers Chemicals Examples

• Oxygen
• Chlorine
• Nitric acid

4. Water Reactive Substances

Materials that react violently with water are known as water-reactive compounds. These processes have the potential to produce a lot of heat, steam, and explosive gases. Examples of compounds that react with water include the metals sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

5. Pyrophoric

Chemicals known as pyrophoric substances spontaneously burn in air at or below 55 °C (130 °F). Due to their high level of reactivity, these compounds present a significant fire risk.

Pyrophoric Chemicals Examples

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Titanium
• Zirconium

6. Irritant

Chemicals that irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system are known as irritants. These substances can either be basic or acidic (alkaline). Chlorine, ammonia, and sulfuric acid are common instances of irritants.

Various symptoms, such as skin and eye irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties, can be brought on by irritating exposure. When irritation is extreme, it can result in chemical burns, breathing problems, and even death.

Irritant Chemicals Examples

• Chlorine
• Ammonia
• Sulfuric acid
• Hydrochloric acid
• Nitric acid

7. Flammable

Chemicals that easily catch fire and burn are flammable. These substances can be gases, solids, or liquids. Gasoline, ethanol, and acetone are typical examples of substances that can catch fire.

Flammable Chemicals Examples

• Gasoline
• Ethanol
• Acetone
• Toluene
• Xylene
• Methanol

8. Harmful Chemicals

Harmful chemicals are substances that, when consumed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, can result in death, disease, or harm. These substances can be gases, solids, or liquids. Carbon monoxide, asbestos, and lead are typical illustrations of dangerous substances.

Depending on the chemical and the amount of exposure, exposure to hazardous chemicals can result in a number of symptoms. Headaches, light-headedness, nausea, and breathing problems are a few typical symptoms. In extreme circumstances, exposure to dangerous chemicals might result in death.

9. Asphyxiants

Chemicals known as asphyxiants can suffocate or asphyxiate a person. They can be found in a variety of locations and goods, and they function by displacing oxygen in the air. The following are a few instances of asphyxiants:

• Anesthetics: Ether, chloroform
• Lacquer thinners: Toluene, xylene
• Paint strippers: Methylene chloride
• Refrigerants: Fluorinated hydrocarbons
• Solvents: Carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene

10. Carcinogens

Chemicals that cause cancer are known as carcinogens. These substances can be gases, solids, or liquids. Carcinogens include substances like benzene, asbestos, and arsenic.

There are two subcategories of carcinogens: known and suspected. Chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer in humans are known carcinogens. Chemicals that have been confirmed to cause cancer in animals but not yet in humans are considered probable carcinogens.

11. Mutagens

Chemicals known as mutagens have the capacity to alter DNA. These substances can be gases, solids, or liquids. Typical instances of mutagens include:

• Chemicals: ethidium bromide, bleomycin
• Radiation: ultraviolet light, x-rays

Birth abnormalities, cancer, and infertility are just a few of the health issues that mutagenic substances can bring about. Mutagen exposure can happen in a variety of areas, including residences, workplaces, and healthcare facilities.