Hazardous substances include chemicals, poisons, explosives and flammable substances. Exposure can happen by breathing them in, through contact with skin, by splashing or from unwashed hands. Exposure can cause serious illness and sometimes even death.
Hazardous substances include chemicals, poisons, explosives and flammable substances. The Environmental Protection Authority defines a hazardous substance as any that has one or more of the following properties above specified levels:
Many hazardous substances are used in manufacturing and other business activities, as well as around the house.
Exposure can happen by breathing them in, through contact with skin, by splashing or from unwashed hands. Exposure can cause serious illness and sometimes even death.
Hazardous substances are an essential part of our daily lives. Dishwasher detergents, methylated spirits, bleaches, and petrol can all be dangerous or poisonous.
Substances can have more than one hazardous property, for example methylated spirits are both flammable and toxic.
During a disaster hazardous substances can spill and mix together. Water may seep into storage areas, causing damage to packages of pesticides or deadly poisons. The Department of Labour issued advice on how to safely handle these hazards.
