Chemical Hazard: Carcinogen

Description

Each year 10 times more people die from occupational chemical exposures than are reported
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) because they only cover on-site or fatalities that occur
within a short time after exposure. Carcinogens have a long latency period before the first
symptoms become apparent as a result it can be very difficult to connect the disease with
the exposure.

Sometimes the exposure is noticeable due to other adverse health effects, burns, irritation,
dizziness, and nausea. Other times, the rip in the glove, or the fact that the glove material
thins over the palm of the hand and/or knuckles, allowing chemicals to pass through and
then be held against the skin, goes unnoticed. If you don’t know when you were exposed, or
where, how can the BLS count it as an occupational fatality?