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

• Nursing and healthcare