Presents essential information about a large number of substances that one can come into contact with on a daily basis

Discusses the possible immediate and long-term health effects of substances

Explains scientific data for the proper and timely management of chemical substances

Includes symptoms of poisoning and toxicity

Defines chemicals and global regulatory systems

Occupational workers frequently use, store, and dispose of toxic chemicals without knowing the possible consequences, both for the workplace and the environment. Improper use or misuse of chemical substances can result in health disorders, fatalities, or chemical disasters. Safe Use of Chemicals: A Practical Guide presents quick and comprehensive instruction to those who work with potentially dangerous substances and provides them with the information they need to avoid the hazards associated with handling these chemicals.

Extensive Information on Numerous Substances

Thoroughly referenced from a wide variety of sources, this book contains information on industrial solvents, pesticides, metals, air pollutants, toxic gases and drugs, as well as other substances. The information presented for each chemical substance is concise yet thorough and does not require advanced training to comprehend. For each chemical, the author provides the CAS number, IUPAC name, molecular formula, synonyms, uses and exposures, toxicity and health effects, the exposure limits, and methods of proper storage and disposal. Tables and appendices are included where appropriate.

T.S.S. Dikshith is a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Task Group on Environmental Health Criteria Documents and the International Program on Chemical Safety and has worked in several laboratories in the United States, France, Germany, and Canada. By following the guidelines established in this text, those who work with chemical substances are able to minimize the risk of disaster and protect themselves and others from the toxic effects of the substances they deal with on a daily basis.

Introduction
Chemical Substances and Poisoning of Humans
General Safety Guidelines
References
Chemical Substances and Categorization
Introduction
Chemicals and Categorization
Industrial Solvents
Metals and Metal Compounds
Pesticides
Toxic Dust, Fumes, Gases, and Vapors
Fumes and Dust of Metals
Asphyxiates
Corrosive Substances
Irritants
Eye and Skin Irritants
Lung and Respiratory Irritants
Neurotoxic Chemicals
Oxidizing Agents
Carcinogens, Mutagens, and Teratogens
Chemicals and Fire Hazards
Conclusion
References
Elements of Toxicology and Chemical Safety
Introduction
Toxicology Studies
History of Toxicology
Branches of Toxicology
Types of Toxicological Studies
Acute Toxicity
Chronic Toxicity
Influencing Factors
Dose–Time Relationship
Routes of Exposure and Toxicity Tests
Parameters of Toxicity
Parameters and the Safety Evaluation of Chemicals and Drugs
Good Laboratory Practice and Regulations
Good Laboratory Practice
Toxicology Test Report
References
Signs and Symptoms of Toxicity
Industrial Solvents
Introduction
Solvents
Flammable and Combustible Solvents
Uses of Solvents
Exposure to Solvents
Drugs, Pharmaceutical Products, and Residual Solvents
Solvents and Precautions
Education and Training
Toxicity and Health Effects
Neurotoxicity
Solvent Syndrome and Fetal Defects
Workplace Controls and Work Practices
Occupational Exposure Limits
Solvents and Toxicity Profile
Conclusion
References
Classes of Different Chemical Substances and Solvents
Health Hazards of Solvents upon Inhalation
Metals and Metal Compounds
Introduction
Discovery of Metals
Different Metals
Metals and Alloys
Metal Poisoning and Symptoms
Conclusions
References
Metals and Health Disorders in Humans
Pesticides
Introduction
Global Development of Pesticides
Classifications of Pesticides
Uses of Pesticides
Toxicity of Pesticides
Signs and Symptoms of Toxicity
Pesticide Management
Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning
Approaches to Reduce Intentional and Suicidal Poisonings
The Insecticide Act (1968)
Regulations
Pesticides and Carcinogenicity
Conclusion
References
Global Development of Pesticides
Pesticide Poisoning—Mild, Moderate, and Severe
Pesticide Components, Signs of Toxicity, and Parts of the Body Affected
Behavioral and Nonbehavioral Changes Caused by Pesticide Exposure
Pesticides and Mammalian Toxicity
Pesticides and Hormone Disturbances in Mammals
Classification of Pesticide Toxicity
Organochlorinate Pesticides and Carcinogenicity
Classification of Pesticides and Carcinogenicity
Pesticides Listed in India as Carcinogens
Air Pollutants and Toxic Gases
Introduction
Sources of Pollutants and Health Effects
Air Pollutants
References
Chemical Substances and Carcinogenicity
Introduction
Carcinogens and Carcinogenesis
Classification of Carcinogens
Chemical Substances, Occupations, and Cancer
Children and Pesticide-Induced Cancer
References
Additional Reading
Known Human Carcinogens
Group B2—Probable Human Carcinogens
Group E—Evidence of Noncarcinogenicity for Humans 
Classification of Benign and Malignant Tumors in Mammals
Chemical Substances and Neurotoxicity
Introduction
Neurotoxicity
Industrial Chemicals and Neurotoxicity
Monomers
Neurotoxicity and Children
Symptoms of Neurotoxicity
Polyneuropathy
Encephalopathy
Neurotoxicants and Neonates
Conclusion
References
Chemical Substances and Neurotoxicity
Chemical Substances and Nephrotoxicity
Introduction
Chemical Substances and Renal Injury
Symptoms of Nephropathy
Metals and Nephrotoxicity
References
Conclusions
Chemical Safety Guidelines
Safe-Handling Guidelines
Minimize Exposure and Reduce Risks
Hygiene and Chemical Safety
Glossary
Appendices
Index