Hazardous chemicals are any type of substance that can potentially cause harm to living organisms, including humans, and the environment in general.
Benzene This flammable lipophilic solvent irritates the skin, lungs, and eyes. Even worse, benzene easily crosses the skin and enters the bloodstream. It is also used to make plastics, detergents, pesticides, and other chemicals.
Mercury (Hg) Mercury is a toxic metal that's commonly used to separate gold from does. It dissolves old much like water dissolves salt. The most common health risk associated with this metal is neurological damage. It also damages internal organs such as the lungs, thyroid, and kidneys.
Cadmium Cadmium is a metal element commonly found in rechargeable batteries, as well as coatings and solar cells. Exposure to its metal can cause flu-like symptoms, lung damage, kidney disease, neurological problems, and cancer.
Arsenic Arsenic is a solid, non-metallic element that's highly toxic to humans. Chronic exposure to this substance can harm the nervous system, cause organ damage and even cancer. Arsenic is found in some agricultural chemicals, like pesticides, as well as wood preservatives.
Lead Classified as a heavy metal, lead can cause brain damage, anaemia, kidney disease, and even birth defects. It was formerly a common component of paints and gasoline, although it's now been largely discontinued as an ingredient in various products.
Chromium The element chromium is a metal that's usually mixed with other metals to create alloys like stainless steel. It's also commonly used as a chemical coating on metallic surfaces to prevent oxidation. Some of the health risks associated with chromium include asthma, respiratory irritation, and kidney damage.
Toluene Toluene is a substituted aromatic hydrocarbon that can cause various health problems, including organ damage, dermatitis, anxiety, muscle fatigue, and dizziness. Toluene is often used as a paint thinner and nail polish remover.n some text
Zinc Although zinc is an important trace mineral necessary for normal biological processes, it poses health risks in its elemental form. Some of these health problems include nausea and vomiting due to stomach problems, along with muscle cramps, headaches and diarrhoea.
As a precautionary measure, never expose a chemical container to high heat or touch its contents if you're not sure whether it's hazardous.