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Chemical Exposure

Science, Grade 6

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How does a chemical enter the body? Inhalation and dermal contact are the primary routes of chemical exposure in the laboratory. To prevent inhalation exposures, be sure to work in a laboratory with good ventilation and to use a chemical fume hood. Wearing appropriate chemical protective gloves and clothing can prevent dermal contact. Following good hygiene habits, such as regular hand washing and using tongs or other tools to pick up sharp objects, can prevent exposure through ingestion or injection. Regardless of the way a chemical gets into the body, once in the bloodstream the chemical is carried to all parts of the body causing potential harm. Inhalation The easiest, most common way for toxic chemicals to enter your body is through inhalation of gases, vapors, mists, dusts and fumes. Once inhaled, poisonous chemicals can be absorbed into the lungs and then into the bloodstream. Once in the blood, these chemicals are transported to all vital organs causing serious harm. Dermal Exposure Although the skin is an effective barrier for many chemicals, it is the second most common route by which select chemicals can enter the body and into the blood stream. Chemicals can also enter the body much more readily through cuts, punctures or scrapes of the skin. In some instances, chemicals may enter by accidental injection through the skin. The degree to which a chemical penetrates the skin depends on the type. Generally, organic chemicals are much more likely to penetrate the skin than inorganic chemicals. Corrosive chemicals on the other hand will actually burn through the skin. The effects of dermal exposure to various substances can range from mild temporary discomfort to permanent damage. Ingestion Ingestion involves chemicals entering the body through the mouth. Chemical dusts, particles and mists can enter the digestive system either by swallowing contaminated mucus or by eating something with contaminated hands. Once inside the mouth, chemicals pass down the esophagus and then into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and get absorbed into the bloodstream. lungs trachea fumes inhaled contaminated food cut in skin corrosive burn chemical enters bloodstream Masks may be worn to guard against inhaling dust and fumes. Inhaled chemicals enter the bloodstream through capillaries in the lungs. www.newpathlearning.com © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 94-4625 Chemical Exposure chemicals enter blood via capillaries GI tract

How does a chemical enter the body? Inhalation Dermal Exposure Ingestion chemical enters bloodstream ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ _______________________ _______________________ _____________________ _____________________ _______________________ _______________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ ________________________ _______________________ www.newpathlearning.com © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 94-4625 Chemical Exposure \|xiBAHBDy01811nzW

Chemical Exposure

Science, Grade 6

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