The Different Types of Health Hazards: From Irritants to Carcinogens

In workplaces across the UK, employees face various health hazards that can cause anything from minor irritation to serious long-term illness. Understanding these hazards is essential for both employers and employees to ensure appropriate controls are in place to protect health and safety.

This article explores the different classifications of health hazards under UK legislation, their potential effects, common examples, and practical measures to minimise exposure and risk.

Understanding Health Hazards under UK Legislation

UK health and safety legislation, particularly the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (as amended), requires employers to control substances that can harm workers’ health. To do this effectively, it’s crucial to understand the different types of health hazards encountered in workplaces.

1. Irritants

What are irritants?

Irritants are substances that cause inflammation or irritation to body tissues upon contact. They typically affect the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

Health effects

• Dermatitis or skin rashes
• Eye irritation and redness
• Respiratory irritation, coughing, and sneezing
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Breathing difficulties

Common examples

• Many cleaning products (bleach, ammonia)
• Solvents (acetone, turpentine)
• Dust from wood, metal, or concrete
• Certain acids and alkalis
• Fibreglass and mineral wool insulation

Prevention and control measures

• Substitute with less irritating alternatives where possible
• Provide local exhaust ventilation to remove airborne irritants
• Implement safe work procedures to minimise contact
• Supply appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection as needed
• Install emergency eyewash stations and showers in areas where irritants are used
• Provide adequate washing facilities
• Train staff on proper handling and emergency procedures

2. Corrosives

What are corrosives?

Corrosives are substances that can destroy or irreversibly damage living tissue or materials on contact. They include strong acids and alkalis.

Health effects

• Chemical burns to skin and eyes
• Permanent tissue damage
• Scarring
• Damage to the respiratory tract if inhaled
• Severe damage to the digestive tract if ingested

Common examples

• Strong acids (sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid)
• Strong alkalis (sodium hydroxide/caustic soda, potassium hydroxide)
• Drain cleaners
• Battery acid
• Concrete and cement (which contains alkaline compounds)

Prevention and control measures

• Store corrosives in appropriate containers with clear labelling
• Use closed systems where possible
• Implement stringent handling procedures
• Install splash guards and containment areas
• Provide comprehensive PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, face shields, and acid/alkali-resistant clothing
• Ensure emergency showers and eyewash stations are readily available
• Create detailed spill response procedures
• Train staff on COSHH regulations and emergency protocols

3. Sensitisers

What are sensitisers?

Sensitisers are substances that may have little effect on first exposure but can trigger allergic reactions with repeated exposure, even at low levels.

Health effects

• Occupational asthma
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages)
• Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)

Common examples

• Isocyanates (found in two-pack paints and some foams)
• Certain woods (western red cedar, oak, mahogany)
• Epoxy resins
• Some metals (nickel, chromium, cobalt)
• Flour dust and grain dust
• Latex
• Glutaraldehyde (used in healthcare)

Prevention and control measures

• Substitute with non-sensitising alternatives where possible
• Implement engineering controls like enclosure and local exhaust ventilation
• Institute health surveillance programmes to detect early signs of sensitisation
• Use appropriate respiratory protective equipment and gloves
• Develop procedures for safe handling
• Train workers to recognise symptoms of sensitisation
• Ensure good housekeeping to minimise dust and contamination

4. Toxic Substances

What are toxic substances?

Toxic substances can cause temporary or permanent harm or death if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, even in relatively small quantities.

Health effects

• Acute poisoning
• Damage to internal organs (liver, kidneys)
• Neurological effects
• Systemic toxicity
• Death in severe cases

Common examples

• Carbon monoxide
• Hydrogen sulphide
• Cyanide compounds
• Arsenic and its compounds
• Mercury
• Lead and its compounds
• Some pesticides and herbicides

Prevention and control measures

• Eliminate where possible or substitute with less toxic alternatives
• Install gas detection systems where toxic gases may be present
• Use closed systems and automation to minimise contact
• Implement strict handling and storage procedures
• Provide high-level PPE including respirators with appropriate filters
• Develop comprehensive emergency procedures
• Conduct regular monitoring of exposure levels
• Implement appropriate health surveillance
• Train staff thoroughly on hazards and controls

5. Carcinogens

What are carcinogens?

Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer or increase its incidence. They are subject to particularly strict control under the COSHH regulations.

Health effects

• Various forms of cancer, often with long latency periods (sometimes decades)
• Progressive and potentially fatal if not detected early

Common examples

• Asbestos (covered by specific regulations: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012)
• Benzene
• Chromium VI compounds
• Wood dust (particularly hardwoods)
• Silica dust
• Coal tars and pitch
• Some mineral oils
• Diesel engine exhaust emissions
• Formaldehyde

Prevention and control measures

• Eliminate use where possible
• Substitute with non-carcinogenic alternatives
• Completely enclose processes
• Use local exhaust ventilation systems with high efficiency
• Implement strict access controls to areas where carcinogens are used
• Establish decontamination procedures
• Provide comprehensive PPE
• Conduct regular exposure monitoring
• Implement health surveillance programmes
• Maintain detailed records of exposure
• Provide thorough training on risks and controls

6. Mutagens and Reproductive Toxins

What are mutagens and reproductive toxins?

Mutagens can cause genetic mutations, while reproductive toxins can impair fertility or cause developmental effects in offspring.

Health effects

• Genetic damage
• Reduced fertility
• Harm to unborn children
• Birth defects
• Developmental issues

Common examples

• Some solvents (particularly certain glycol ethers)
• Lead and its compounds
• Mercury
• Some pesticides
• Certain pharmaceutical compounds
• Ethylene oxide (used in sterilisation)

Prevention and control measures

• Eliminate where possible
• Substitute with safer alternatives
• Implement engineering controls like enclosure and ventilation
• Establish specific risk assessments for pregnant workers or those planning pregnancy
• Conduct regular health surveillance
• Provide appropriate PPE
• Create detailed safety procedures
• Train workers on specific risks to reproduction

7. Biological Agents

What are biological agents?

Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that can cause infection, allergy, or toxicity.

Health effects

• Infectious diseases
• Allergic reactions
• Toxic effects from biological toxins
• Respiratory issues

Common examples

• Legionella bacteria
• Bloodborne viruses (Hepatitis B, C, HIV)
• Tuberculosis bacteria
• COVID-19 virus
• Moulds and fungi
• Bacteria in sewage

Prevention and control measures

• Implement good hygiene practices
• Provide appropriate containment measures
• Establish disinfection and sterilisation procedures
• Offer vaccinations where available
• Supply appropriate PPE including gloves, masks, and eye protection
• Develop safe systems of work
• Train staff on infection control
• Create specific procedures for high-risk activities
• Establish health surveillance programmes

8. Asphyxiants

What are asphyxiants?

Asphyxiants are substances that interfere with oxygen uptake or availability, leading to oxygen deprivation.

Health effects

• Dizziness and headache
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Death in severe cases

Common examples

• Simple asphyxiants that displace oxygen:
  • Nitrogen
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Argon
  • Methane
• Chemical asphyxiants that prevent oxygen use in the body:
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Hydrogen cyanide
  • Hydrogen sulphide

Prevention and control measures

• Ensure adequate ventilation in confined spaces
• Install oxygen and gas monitoring systems
• Implement permit-to-work systems for high-risk areas
• Provide emergency breathing apparatus
• Develop rescue procedures
• Train staff on confined space entry procedures
• Conduct regular testing of monitoring equipment
• Create emergency response plans

UK Legislation and Classification Systems

In the UK, hazardous substances are classified under various regulations:

1. COSHH Regulations 2002 (as amended) – The primary legislation covering control of hazardous substances
2. Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Regulation – Aligns UK law with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS)
3. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) – Controls the manufacture, import, and use of chemicals

Under these regulations, substances are classified with standardised hazard statements (H-statements) and precautionary statements (P-statements), along with pictograms that visually communicate the hazard.

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes Workplace Exposure Limits for many hazardous substances in EH40. These limits include:

• Long-term exposure limit (LTEL) – 8-hour time-weighted average
• Short-term exposure limit (STEL) – 15-minute reference period

Employers must ensure that exposure remains below these limits.

Practical Steps for Managing Health Hazards

1. Conduct thorough risk assessments

• Identify all hazardous substances in use
• Determine potential exposure routes
• Assess the risk to workers
• Document findings and controls

2. Follow the hierarchy of control

1. Elimination – Remove the hazard completely
2. Substitution – Replace with less hazardous alternatives
3. Engineering controls – Redesign the process to reduce exposure
4. Administrative controls – Modify work practices
5. Personal protective equipment – As a last resort

3. Implement monitoring programmes

• Conduct air monitoring where appropriate
• Implement health surveillance for exposed workers
• Keep detailed records
• Review results regularly

4. Train and inform employees

• Provide information on hazards and controls
• Train on safe work procedures
• Explain emergency procedures
• Ensure understanding of monitoring and health surveillance

5. Maintain control measures

• Regularly test ventilation systems
• Inspect PPE
• Review and update risk assessments
• Respond to any incidents or near misses

6. Stay updated

• Monitor changes in legislation
• Review safety data sheets for updates
• Keep abreast of new research on health effects
• Update control measures accordingly

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of health hazards in the workplace is crucial for effective risk management. Each category presents unique risks and requires specific control strategies. By familiarising yourself with these classifications and implementing appropriate control measures, you can protect workers from both immediate harm and long-term health effects.

Remember that UK legislation places the responsibility on employers to ensure that exposure to hazardous substances is either prevented or adequately controlled. This requires ongoing vigilance, regular assessment, and a commitment to applying the hierarchy of control.

For more information and guidance, consult the Health and Safety Executive’s website and publications, which provide detailed information on managing specific health hazards in the workplace.

Our accredited CoSHH Awareness Training Course will help you to take effective steps reduce the risks of exposure and to protect health of yourself and others in your workplace.