1st Edition

Safe Use of Chemicals A Practical Guide

By T.S.S. Dikshith Copyright 2009
    312 Pages 1 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    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, 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

    Biography

    T.S.S. Dikshith