Promotion: Ask your question about hazardous substances for free

When you think of hazardous substances, do you think of asbestos and companies in the chemical industry? That makes sense, but many more employees have to deal with hazardous substances. Think of the emissions from machines or the practical classroom at school. There may also be hazardous substances at your company. Want to know what the situation is? Ask your question now for free to the experts of our cooperation partner ArboNed.

Many hazardous substances are not visible
It is estimated that nearly 3,000 people die each year from hazardous substances. Over a million Dutch people are exposed to hazardous substances at work.

“Not all hazardous substances are recognizably in a jar with a label with hazard symbols,” says Frank Peters, occupational hygienist and senior safety expert at ArboNed. “Hazardous substances are not only manufactured chemicals, but also substances that are created by processes, such as wood dust, quartz dust, welding fumes and diesel exhaust fumes or naturally occurring substances such as crude oil or flour.”

What are the risks of hazardous substances?
Exposure to hazardous substances can occur in various ways. Substances can be inhaled (vapour, gas, small dust particles), absorbed through the skin (contact, splashes), or enter the body through the mouth (eating, smoking). Physically demanding work or heat can accelerate the absorption of toxic substances, which further increases the risks of hazardous substances.

The health effects depend on the harmfulness of the substance, the amount you are exposed to and the duration of exposure (one-off short-term or long-term exposure).

• Long-term health effects include respiratory diseases (such as asthma), damage to internal organs including the brain and nervous system, and occupational cancer.
• Health damage that can occur acutely or in the short term, such as poisoning, allergies, skin conditions (eczema, burns) or reproductive problems.

How do I know if I am working with hazardous substances?
The topic of hazardous substances is very complex, precisely because it is not always immediately clear that hazardous substances are involved.

Frank Peters: “Every company is required to have an up-to-date Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E). The RI&E forms the basis for a safe and healthy working environment in which the subject of 'hazardous substances' should be addressed in an in-depth RI&E. One in three companies work with hazardous substances, but the tricky thing is that many organisations do not realise that they are dealing with hazardous substances. Companies also find it difficult in practice to give substance to the in-depth RI&E hazardous substances.”

Ask your question
Would you like to know whether hazardous substances are also being used within your organisation? Or do you have another question about hazardous substances? Then send an email to one of our occupational hygienists:

• Region East/North: Frank Peters
• Region West: Peter Huijsmans
• Region South: Michael van Druten

This promotion runs from December 4 to 11, 2018. You will receive a response to your question within two working days.