Hazards to Human Health: The Environment Harmful Chemicals

Sameh A S Alariqi^*
*Correspondence: Dr. Sameh A S Alariqi, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen, Email:

Description

Toxic chemicals are those that can cause harm when they enter or come in touch with our bodies. Health may deteriorate if we are exposed to harmful material such as gasoline. Gasoline which sometimes accidentally inhaled or consumed can induce burns, vomiting, diarrhea, and in extremely high doses, dizziness or death. Certain chemicals are dangerous because of their physical attributes. They may readily explode, burn, or react with other compounds. Gasoline is dangerous because it may burn and, its fumes can explode. A chemical can be poisonous and harmful at the same time.

Some compounds have a higher toxicity level than others. A substance's toxicity is determined by the sorts of effects it produces as well as its potency.

Chemicals have a wide range of impacts. Chemical A, for example, may produce vomiting but not cancer. Chemical B may have no symptoms when first exposed, but it can cause cancer years later.The toxicity of a substance is measured by its potency (strong). A more dangerous chemical is one that has a higher potency. Sodium cyanide, for example, is more lethal than sodium chloride (table salt), since even a tiny amount of cyanide may harm health.

The breakdown of a chemical in the human body can impact its efficacy and, as a result, its toxicity. When a substance is in the body, its chemical structure may be altered or converted into a more or less dangerous compound. For example, the body converts carbon tetrachloride, a common solvent, into a more toxic compound that damages the liver. By the process of metabolism certain chemicals convert into a form that is more readily removed by the body.

Exposure

Whenever a chemical comes into interact or enters the body can it create health problems.

A typical method of exposure to toxic chemicals is inhalation (breathing) of gases, vapors, dust, or mists. Chemicals can be transmitted via nose, air passages, lungs and ultimately result in irritation. They can accumulate in the airways or can enter into circulation through the lungs. These compounds can then be carried to the rest of the body via the blood.

Another method of exposure is by the ingestion (a process of taking food, drink, or any other substance into the body by swallowing or absorbing it) of food, drinks, or other substances. Chemicals can enter through ingestion of food, cigarette smoking, cleaning utensils, or washing hands. Children are more likely to consume chemicals contained in dust or soil. An excellent example is lead in paint chips. Substances can enter the bloodstream and then be carried throughout the body. Exposure can also occur by direct contact (touching) with the skin or eyes. Some chemicals are absorbed into the circulation through skin.

A harmful chemical has an impact depends on the route of exposure. Lead can be toxic if inhaled or swallowed, however it is not harmful when touched since it is not absorbed through the skin.

Although exposure to hazardous chemicals is done on a daily basis preventing its exposure will cause no effect on health.