Types of Toxins

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) defines a hazardous chemical as any chemical that is a physical or a health hazard (CFR 1910.1200). Many chemicals can cause toxic effects in the body. Below are some classes of toxic chemicals.

Irritants are noncorrosive chemicals that cause reversible inflammatory effects (swelling and redness) on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Because a wide variety of organic and inorganic chemicals are irritants, skin and eye contact with all chemicals in the laboratory should be avoided.

Corrosive substances are solids, liquids, and gases that cause destruction of living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact.

Allergens are substances which cause an adverse reaction by the immune system. As these reactions result from previous sensitization from the substance or similar substance, chemical allergens will be different for each person.

Asphyxiants are substances that interfere with the transport of an adequate supply of oxygen to the vital organs of the body. They can do this by either displacing oxygen from the air or by combining with hemoglobin and thus reducing the blood’s ability to transport oxygen.

Carcinogens are cancer-causing substances listed in the Annual Report on Carcinogens. Many substances known or suspected to be carcinogenic are still found to be in high school laboratories. There is little reason for most of them to be there; they should be disposed of as quickly as possible.

Reproductive & developmental toxins (teratogens and mutagens) either have an adverse effect on the various aspects of reproduction (fertility, gestation, lactation and general reproductive performance) or act during pregnancy to cause adverse effects on the embryo or fetus.

Neurotoxins induce an adverse effect on the structure or function of the central and/or peripheral nervous system. These effects can be permanent or reversible. Toxins affecting other organs can also be a hazard. Most of the chlorinated hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds, some metals, carbon monoxide, cyanides, and others can produce one or more effects on target organs in the body.

The following website offers more information on this topic:http://www.osha.gov

Toxins are poisonous to our bodies, even though they are a part of our everyday lives.

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