Occupational Toxicity an Unnoticed Health Risk: A Review

Abstract

Occupational toxicity is a branch of science that focuses upon the study and assessment of harmful chemicals or toxic substances, captivating the workplace. This field is critical for ensuring the health and safety of workers by identifying, evaluating, and controlling exposures to hazardous substances. Occupational toxicologists identify chemicals, dusts, fumes, gases, and physical agents (like radiation) that workers may be exposed to during their jobs and also identify their routes of exposure. The dose of the toxic substances and the frequency of exposure lead to many acute and chronic clinical conditions for workers. Developing safety guidelines preventive measures, such as permissible exposure limits (PELs) and threshold limit values (TLVs), workers can be protected in the work zone. Toxic substance induced occupational diseases, such as respiratory disorders, skin conditions, neurological effects, and cancers have become common for now these days. Ergonomics and occupational health management aim to identify and prevent those health risks. Recommendation of PPE, gloves, masks, and covered clothing, reduce the chances of toxicity. There are many standardise protocols declared by OSHA, NIOSH have been followed by industries as well as organizations for taking best protection. By understanding the risks associated with workplace, occupational toxicologists or health experts help in designing safer industrial processes, implementing effective control measures, and developing policies that protect workers from harmful effects, thereby reducing the incidence of occupational diseases by improving overall workplace health.