Title: Chemical Hazards and Routes of Exposure
Type: Lesson
Chemicals can pose a wide range of hazards depending on their properties. Understanding what types of harm a chemical can cause — and how it can enter your body — is critical for protecting yourself on the job.
These affect the environment around you. Examples include:
Flammable or explosive substances
Compressed gases
Oxidizers
Corrosives that damage materials or surfaces
These affect your body. Examples include:
Toxic chemicals
Carcinogens (cause cancer)
Irritants (cause rashes or inflammation)
Sensitizers (trigger allergic reactions)
Reproductive toxins
Chemicals that harm organs, lungs, or skin
Chemicals can enter your body in several ways:
| Route | Description |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Breathing in vapors, fumes, mists, or dust |
| Skin (Dermal) | Contact with skin or eyes |
| Ingestion | Swallowing contaminated food, drink, or hands |
| Injection | Penetration through a puncture wound (e.g., a needle or sharp tool) |
Even skin contact can allow chemicals to enter your bloodstream.
Lack of PPE (gloves, respirator, goggles)
Poor ventilation
No training or awareness
Eating or drinking near chemicals
Spills or open containers
Just because you can’t smell or feel a chemical doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many chemicals are invisible, odorless, or slow to cause symptoms — but still dangerous.
Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 3: GHS Labels and Pictograms, where you’ll learn how to instantly recognize chemical hazards on labels and containers.