Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

irritant contact dermatitis
occurs soon after con-
tact with the substance and the condition reverses 
after contact ceases (detergents and weak acids)
➤
allergic contact dermatitis
is caused by a sensi-
tizer such as turpentine, epoxy resin, solder fl ux and 
formaldehyde.
For many years, dermatitis was seen as a ‘nervous’ dis-
ease which was psychological in nature. Nowadays, it is 
recognized as an industrial disease which can be con-
trolled by good personal hygiene, personal protective 
equipment, use of barrier creams and health screening of 
employees. Dermatitis can appear anywhere on the body 
but it is normally found on the hands. Therefore, gloves 
should always be worn when there is a risk of dermatitis.
The risks of dermatitis occurring increases with the 
presence of skin cuts or abrasions, which allow chemicals 
to be more easily absorbed, and the type, sensitivity and 
existing condition of the skin.
14.6 
Health hazards of specifi c agents
The health hazards associated with hazardous sub-
stances can vary from very mild (momentary dizziness 
or a skin irritation) to very serious, such as a cancer.
Cancer
is a serious body cell disorder in which the cells 
develop into tumours. There are two types of tumour 
– benign and malignant. Benign tumours do not spread 
but remain localized within the body and grow slowly. 
Malignant tumours are called cancers and often grow 
rapidly, spreading to other organs using the bloodstream 
and lymphatic glands. Survival rates have improved 
dramatically in recent years as detection methods have 
improved and the tumours are found in their early stages 
of development. A minority of cancers are believed to be 
occupational in origin.
Figure 14.5
Parts of the urinary system.
Inferior
vena
cava
Right
kidney
Duodenum
Right
ureter
Left
kidney
Pancreas
Aorta
Left
ureter
Bladder

---