Hazards from hazardous substances – recognising and avoiding unseen risks
When working with paints, solvents and other industrial materials, various hazardous substances arise in the form of vapours, dusts and particles. These substances pose a significant health risk, as their harmful effects often only become visible years later. In this article, we shed light on the hazards posed by these substances, their proportions and the importance of effective protection.
Hazards from vapours and dusts
Hazardous substances are often produced by the evaporation, grinding or spraying of materials. The most important groups are:
- Vapours:
- solvent vapours
- Vapours from water-based paints
- styrene vapours
- polyisocyanates (e.g. in hardener components)
- dusts:
- sanding dust
- paint mist
- metal dusts
- wood dust
- heavy metal particles
Size ratios of hazardous substances
The attached image shows the size ratios of the various particles compared to their visibility.
- Nanoparticles (less than 0.001 µm ): for example, metallurgical dust, which is only visible under an electron microscope.
- Fine dust (0.01 to 1 µm ): Contains particles such as tobacco smoke, asbestos or viruses. These can easily reach the deepest regions of the lungs.
- Dust and mist (1 to 10 µm ): includes oil mist, coal dust and cement dust. Visible under a microscope, but dangerous because they can become lodged in the bronchial tubes.
- Larger particles (10 µm and larger ): pollen, hair and heavy industrial dust. Visible to the naked eye, but still harmful if inhaled.
Important note
The harmful effects of hazardous substances often do not occur until years after exposure. Diseases such as asthma, lung cancer or chronic bronchitis develop insidiously and are usually irreparable. It is therefore essential to take preventive action.
Protective measures and prevention
- Use respiratory protection: compressed air systems or masks with suitable filters (e.g. A2P2 combination filters) are essential.
- Optimise the working environment: Ensure adequate ventilation and use extraction systems.
- Regular maintenance of protective equipment: Change filters and masks according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Conduct training: educate employees about the dangers and instruct them in the correct way to handle hazardous substances.
Conclusion
Hazardous substances pose an invisible threat, the effects of which often only become apparent years later. To avoid damage to health, suitable protective measures and consistent compliance with occupational safety regulations are essential. Protect yourself and your employees from these invisible risks!
