Hazardous chemical incidents
Every year exposure to hazardous substances at work effects the
health of many thousands of people. Common examples include
- lung disease (for example, people who work in dusty
conditions)
- exposure to noxious or toxic fumes
- skin irritation, dermatitis or skin cancer (for example people
who have frequent contact with oils, or corrosive liquids)
- occupational asthma (for example people sensitive to
isocyanates in paints or adhesives)
- occupational cancer
- other similar illnesses and ailments
The high costs of ill-health arise from loss of earnings, loss
of productivity, prosecution and civil action amongst others.
UK Resilience
(external link) provides information about a wide variety of
emergencies and crises that can affect the UK, plus emergency
planning guidance and government information.