Asbestos is a group of minerals with fibrous crystals which occur naturally in the environment. Asbestos is used in applications that benefit from sound and thermal insulation. Though not officially banned in the United States, there are regulations that forbid uses in many applications and the use of asbestos has steadily decreased over the last few decades. However, due to both past and present use of asbestos, workers in the construction, shipbuilding, automotive and other industries remain at risk for exposure.

Asbestos was historically used as an insulation and fire retardant. Common applications include plumbing insulation, floor tile and adhesive, exterior shingles and automotive brake pads.

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and exposure is linked to lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Asphalt is a black, sticky liquid present in petroleum deposits. Produced by distillation of crude oil, asphalt is widely used in a variety of applications. Asphalt is typically used as an adhesive to hold together aggregate materials such as sand and gravel.

Road surfaces are the most common use of asphalt in the US. Roofing and shingles account for most of the rest use.

Workers can be exposed to asphalt fumes when the material is heated for application. Exposure to asphalt fumes has been linked to eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. There is evidence that exposure to asphalt products and fumes can cause cancer.

Asthma is a respiratory disease. It creates narrowing of the air passages that results in difficult breathing, tightness of the chest, coughing, and breath-sounds such as wheezing.

Occupational asthma refers to asthma that is caused by breathing in specific agents in the workplace. Occupational asthma is the most common lung condition related to occupational exposures on the developed world.

Swift diagnosis, including identifying the agent or situation likely to trigger an attack, is important. Eliminating exposure, or reducing risk of exposure, and following a doctor's recommendations can prevent long-term problems.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas. CO is produced by combustion and is released in exhaust from vehicles, generators, etc. CO can also be released from natural sources such as forest fires and volcanic activity.

CO is widely used in industrial applications. Ranging from metal and fuel processing to production of other gases and compounds, CO is a very common industrial gas.

Inhaling carbon monoxide gas can lead to headache, dizziness, mild nausea, and confusion. High levels can be fatal, causing death within minutes.

Chormium is a common element in the environment often found as trivalent chromium (Cr⁺³) or hexavalent chromium (Cr⁺⁶). Cr⁺³ is a nutrient essential to good health in small amounts.

Cr⁺³ and Cr⁺⁶ are important industrial metals used in chrome plating, leather processing, dyes and pigments and wood preservation.

Inhaling hexavalent chromium at high concentrations can irritatte the nose and throat, trigger asthma attacks and lead to lung cancer. Eating or drinking contaminated foods can upset the stomach and damage the liver or kidneys.

Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of compounds and includes diesel particulate matter (DPM). DPM is a group of fine particles that are easily inhaled deep into the lungs.

Diesel exhaust is released by vehicles and equipment operating on diesel fuel. Heavy construction equipment, generators and even some passenger vehicles are examples of diesel exhaust sources.

Short term exposure to diesel exhaust can cause eye irritation and breathing problems. Long term exposure can increase your risk of cancer and

In the US, millions of health care workers are exposed to hazardous drugs everyday. From preparing doses in a pharmacy to administering drugs and disposing of waste, there are numerous tasks that risk exposure to dangerous drugs. Medical personnel are at risk from exposure by inhalation, injection via puncture wound or accidental needle stick and absorption when skin is contacted.

Drugs and pharmaceuticals are used everyday to prolong and improve the quality of life.

Accidental and intentional misuse of drugs and pharmaceutical products have a wide range of serious and potentially fatal heath effects. The specific effects are dependent on the specific compound and dose, but can include skin irritation, respiratory problems, reproductive disorders and cancer.

Mold is a natural part of the environment. Molds are fungi, the group of organisms that help decompose organic matter. Molds require moisture to grow, but under the right conditions can grow on a variety of surfaces. These can include food, drywall, furniture, paper and other organic sources.

There are a lot of stories in the media and on the internet about "black mold" and "toxic mold". But there are, for the most part, very misleading. There are health concerns related to mold exposure, but they are very similar to seasonal allergy symptoms. Runny nose, sore throat and headaches are common symptoms. There is additional concern for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, as they are more susceptible to complications when exposed to mold.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100 compounds commonly found throughout the environment. Examples of PAHs include naphthalene, benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene and many other compounds.

They are typically found in crude oil, coal and gas. Because they are present in most of the substances we use for fuel they are also found throughout our environment ain automobile exhaust and industrial releases. PAHs are also used in common products including asphalt and roofing materials, dyes, plastics and pesticides.

PAHs are resonable expected to cause cancer. Exposures to high concentrations can lead to skin problems and make the body more prone to infections.

Silica, found in nature as sand or quartz, is among the most abundant elements in the earth's crust. According to OSHA 2,000,000 people are exposed to silica each year, and 300 die of silicosis.

Silica is widely used in the production of glass. Concrete and masonry products also commonly contain silica.

Exposure to silica dust can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system. Long-term exposure to silica is linked to silicosis, lung cancer and other chronic health problems.

Solvents are liquids or gases that can dissolve other solids, liquids or gases, resulting in a mixture.

Solvents are used in many industrial and occupational settings, but can also be used in the home on a regular basis. Examples of solvents include paint thinner or compounds used to clean and degrease auto parts.

Breathing in solvent fumes can affect your nervous system and cause nausea, dizziness, and symptoms similar to being intoxicated. If the exposure is short, the effects will likely go away. If the exposure is over a long period of time, such as each workday for a few months or years, symptoms can be permanent. Long-term exposure can lead to permanent damage to the nervous system and may cause cancer.

Solvents can also irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. It's important to know what types of protective gear are needed when working with solvents.

Solvents are liquids or gases that can dissolve other solids, liquids or gases, resulting in a mixture.

Solvents are used in many industrial and occupational settings, but can also be used in the home on a regular basis. Examples of solvents include paint thinner or compounds used to clean and degrease auto parts.

Breathing in solvent fumes can affect your nervous system and cause nausea, dizziness, and symptoms similar to being intoxicated. If the exposure is short, the effects will likely go away. If the exposure is over a long period of time, such as each workday for a few months or years, symptoms can be permanent. Long-term exposure can lead to permanent damage to the nervous system and may cause cancer.

Solvents can also irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. It's important to know what types of protective gear are needed when working with solvents.