Chemical Agents that Cause Occupational Diseases

Abstract

Chemicals are used extensively both in industry and in our daily lives. Chemicals may appear harmless, but can result in adverse health effects immediately upon contact or after prolonged exposure. Occupational disease (OD) refers to any disease contracted as a result of exposure to factors arising from work activity. The list of ODs prepared by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has four main groups: ODs caused by exposure to agents arising from work activities (such as chemical, physical, and biological agents); ODs by target organ systems; occupational cancer; and other diseases. Chemical agents are the commonest occupational hazard that can result in OD. This entry describes the toxicity of chemicals, their route of exposure, and different health effects caused by chemical agents, with a focus on ODs and cancer caused by chemicals. Principles of preventive measures in the workplace will also be discussed.