HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS Meaning and
Definition
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Hazardous chemicals are substances or mixtures that possess inherent properties or characteristics capable of causing harm to living organisms, the environment, or property. These substances are classified as hazardous due to their potential to cause ill health effects such as toxicity, carcinogenicity, flammability, reactivity, or environmental damage. They can exist in various forms, including liquids, gases, dusts, or solids.
Hazardous chemicals encompass a wide range of compounds used in various industries, laboratories, or households, including but not limited to industrial solvents, pesticides, cleaning agents, fuels, paints, certain medications, and heavy metals. Exposure to these chemicals can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact with the skin or eyes, and may result in acute or chronic toxic effects depending on the duration and intensity of the exposure.
Due to their potential risks, hazardous chemicals are regulated by national and international bodies to ensure their safe use, handling, storage, transportation, and disposal. Information regarding the hazards associated with these chemicals is usually provided through Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which outline their physical and chemical properties, health effects, fire and explosion hazards, and recommended safety precautions.
To minimize the risks associated with hazardous chemicals, it is crucial to employ appropriate risk management strategies such as implementing safety protocols, using personal protective equipment, conducting adequate training and education, and employing engineering controls to prevent or minimize the release of these substances into the environment.
Common Misspellings for HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
- gazardous chemicals
- bazardous chemicals
- nazardous chemicals
- jazardous chemicals
- uazardous chemicals
- yazardous chemicals
- hzzardous chemicals
- hszardous chemicals
- hwzardous chemicals
- hqzardous chemicals
- haxardous chemicals
- hasardous chemicals
- haaardous chemicals
- hazzrdous chemicals
- hazsrdous chemicals
- hazwrdous chemicals
- hazqrdous chemicals
- hazaedous chemicals
- hazaddous chemicals
- hazafdous chemicals
Etymology of HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
The word "hazardous" originates from the Old French word "hasard", which meant "game of chance" or "risk". The term was later adopted into Middle English as "hazard", which referred to a game of dice involving risk or chance. Over time, "hazard" evolved to also represent dangers or risks associated with certain activities or substances.
The term "chemicals" refers to any substance made up of matter with a constant composition. It comes from the Latin word "chemicus", which traces its roots to the Greek word "khēmeia", meaning "art of transmuting metals" or "alchemy".
When combined, "hazardous chemicals" refer to substances that possess potential risks or dangers to health, safety, or the environment. The term emphasizes the inherent risks associated with certain chemical substances.
