How might I be exposed to chemicals at work?
Even if you don't work in a chemical plant, a lot of jobs you do might expose you to harmful chemicals. These jobs include:
- Building work, heating engineering and plumbing, because of the asbestos contained in many buildings
- Industrial or domestic cleaning, because many cleaning products contain harmful or irritant chemicals such as bleach
- Gardening or grounds work, because it may involve using chemical pesticides, many of which are very toxic. Local authorities are the largest single user of pesticides outside farming
- Painting and decorating, because many paints and varnishes contain toxic solvents
- Printing, because some printing inks are harmful to your skin
- Hairdressing, because hair dyes and perming solutions contain ammonia and other harmful chemicals
- Dry cleaning, because dry cleaning fluids are solvents, and many solvents are toxic
- Vehicle maintenance, because of exposure to fuels and asbestos dust in brake lining
