| Some toxic materials are categorized by the effect they have on the human body.
Some of the more common ones are given here. |
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| Carcinogen: |
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A chemical that has the potential of causing cancer. |
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| Examples: |
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cadmium compounds, lead compounds, and silica (crystalline) |
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| Possible Health Effects: |
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various form of cancer, which may occur years after exposure |
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| Reproductive toxins: |
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A mutagen (causes a change in the genetic material of a living cell) or a
teratogen (causes defects in the developing embryo or fetus). |
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| Examples: |
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acetic acid, ammonium hydroxide, hydrofluoric acid, potassium bromide,
lead compounds, beryllium oxide, calcium fluoride, nitric acid |
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| Possible Health Effects: |
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birth defects, sterility. |
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| Hepatotoxins: |
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A chemical that has the potential of causing liver damage. |
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| Examples: |
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carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethane |
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| Possible Health Effects: |
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liver damage |
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| Nephrotoxins: |
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A chemical that has the potential of causing kidney damage. |
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| Examples: |
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beryllium compounds, copper sulfate, lead compounds, potassium dichromate, turpentine |
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| Possible Health Effects: |
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kidney damage |
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| Neurotoxins: |
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A chemical that has the potential to affect the nervous system. |
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| Examples: |
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acetone, methanol, potassium permanganate |
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| Possible Health Effects: |
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behavioral changes, decreased muscle coordination |
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| Pulmonary agents: |
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A chemical that has the potential to affect the lungs. |
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| Examples: |
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ammonia, silica, asbestos, hydrogen chloride |
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| Possible Health Effects: |
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lung damage |
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