The workplace can be a dangerous place in Minnesota. It is not uncommon for workers to encounter toxic chemicals or harmful gases that could lead to health problems and workers’ compensation claims. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of toxic gases you might find in your workplace and how they can affect you.
Carbon monoxide
Also known as CO, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs when carbon-based fuels do not burn completely. It can be difficult to detect because it does not have an odor or presence in the air like other toxic workplace gases. As a worker, you may only know that you’re exposed after experiencing symptoms, such as headaches, nausea and fatigue. Exposure to this gas for extended periods of time can cause heart attacks and even death.
Hydrogen Sulphide
When you inhale hydrogen sulfide gas, you can experience a loss of smell or respiratory irritation. This colorless and flammable gas may also contain traces of metals that are harmful to your health. Prolonged exposure could result in damage to the nervous system, brain and kidneys as well as cause cancer over time. This gas occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas well operations and decaying organic matter.
Ammonia
Ammonia is an irritant gas that can cause health problems when workers inhale it for extended periods of time. Irritants, like ammonia, are particularly hazardous because they affect the upper respiratory system and can result in burns, inflammation or tissue damage to your airways. It may also be difficult to detect this toxic chemical because you might not notice it until you begin to experience its symptoms. This gas occurs as a liquid in its pure form, but you might find it at the workplace as an irritant gas.
Those are some of the common types of toxic gases you could come across at work. To protect your health, it is important to ensure that your workplace has the right safety equipment and monitoring systems are in place. Nonetheless, if you find yourself experiencing symptoms related to exposure to these or other toxic gases, workers’ compensation may be able to help.
