Hazard Communication


	Now let’s talk about some of the specific health effects from overexposure to chemicals you may work with. Your skin or eyes can become irritated from overexposure to solvent vapors from adhesives and paints. More severe irritation or even burns can occur from exposure to corrosives such as the ammonium hydroxide used in Diazo machines. Breathing in excessive amounts of photocopier toner powder can irritate your lungs.
	Asphyxiants are chemicals that deprive the body of oxygen. The most common example is carbon monoxide which causes numerous deaths each year. It is important that all fuel burning equipment is properly vented to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
	Narcotic effects include dizziness, light-headedness, stupor, and unconsciousness. Breathing excessive amounts of glue vapors can produce narcotic effects. Some chemicals affect specific organs, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons (an example is trichloroethylene) affecting the liver. Carcinogens are chemicals that cause cancer, usually after prolonged exposure over a period of time. Some common examples of chemical carcinogens are benzene, arsenic, asbestos, and vinyl chloride. The MSDS will tell you whether a chemical is a carcinogen.