Toxic Effects

Question 1

Acetaldehyde

Answer 1

Colorless liquid with a pungent choking odor, which is irritating to the mucous membranes and especially the eyes. Breathing vapors will cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and unconsciousness.

Question 2

Acrolein

Answer 2

Colorless-to-yellow volatile liquid with a disagreeable choking odor, this material is irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. This substance is extremely toxic: inhalation of concentrations as little as 10 ppm may be fatal within a few minutes.

Question 3

Asbestos

Answer 3

A magnesium silicate mineral that occurs as slender, strong, flexible fibers. Breathing of asbestos dust causes asbestosis and lung cancer.

Question 4

Benzene

Answer 4

Colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Acute exposure to benzene can result in dizziness, excitation, headache, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting. Benzene is also a carcinogen.

Question 5

Benzaldehyde

Answer 5

Colorless-to-clear yellow liquid with a bitter almond odor. Inhalation of concentrated vapor is irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat.

Question 6

Carbon Monoxide

Answer 6

Colorless, odorless gas. Inhalation of carbon monoxide causes headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea, unconsciousness, and death. Exposure to as little as 0.2% carbon monoxide can result in unconsciousness within 30 minutes. Inhalation of a high concentration can result in immediate collapse and unconsciousness.

Question 7

Formaldehyde

Answer 7

Colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor that is highly irritating to the nose: 50-100 ppm can cause severe irritation to the respiratory track and serious injury. Exposure to high concentrations can cause injury to the skin. Formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen.

Question 8

Glutaraldheyde

Answer 8

Light-yellow liquid that causes severe irritation of the eyes and irritation of the skin.

Question 9

Hydrogen Chloride

Answer 9

Colorless gas with a sharp, pungent odor. Mixes with water to form hydrochloric acid. Hydrogen chloride is corrosive to human tissue. Exposure to hydrogen chloride can result in irritation of the skin and respiratory distress.

Question 10

Isovaleraldehyde

Answer 10

Colorless liquid with a weak, suffocating odor. Inhalation causes respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting and headache.

Question 11

Nitrogen Dioxide

Answer 11

Reddish-brown gas or yellowish-brown liquid, which is highly toxic and corrosive.

Question 12

Particulates

Answer 12

Small particles that can be inhaled and deposited in the mouth trachea or the lungs. Exposure to particulates can cause eye irritation and respiratory distress (in addition to health hazards specifically related to the particular substances involved.)

Question 13

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Answer 13

PAHs are a group of over 100 different chemicals that generally occur as complex mixtures as part of the combustion process. These materials are generally colorless, white, or pale yellow-green solids with a pleasant odor. Some of these materials are human carcinogens.

Question 14

Sulfur Dioxide

Answer 14

Colorless gas with a choking or suffocating odor. Sulfur dioxide is toxic and corrosive and can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.