General Action
What is meant by the general action of a chemical factor?
General action means the overall systemic effect of a chemical on the body, impacting multiple organs or systems at once.
What type of chemical action is demonstrated when lead accumulates in bones?
Specific action on skeletal tissue, as lead replaces calcium in bone, weakening structure and serving as a toxic reservoir.
Which odorless gas is especially dangerous in poorly ventilated workplaces?
Carbon monoxide, invisible and odorless, binding hemoglobin and preventing oxygen transport.
What visible change occurs in indicator tubes when detecting gases?
A color change, as reactive chemicals inside the tube interact with target gases.
What engineering control removes contaminated air and replaces it with clean air?
Ventilation systems, including local exhaust and general dilution ventilation.
Which body system is most commonly affected by the general action of solvents?
The central nervous system, because solvents act broadly as depressants, impairing brain activity, coordination, and alertness.
Which organ is specifically targeted by mercury exposure?
The kidneys, since mercury accumulates in renal tissue, damaging filtration and causing proteinuria.
In what unit are dust particles in workplace air usually measured?
Micrometers (µm), since particle size determines how deeply they penetrate into the respiratory tract.
What type of paper changes color when exposed to acidic vapors?
Litmus paper, shifting from blue to red in acidic environments, providing a quick qualitative test.
What protective gear must workers wear to prevent inhalation of chemicals?
Respirators or masks, filtering harmful gases, vapors, and particulates.
What general systemic effect results from chronic carbon monoxide exposure?
Hypoxia, since carbon monoxide binds hemoglobin 200 times more strongly than oxygen, preventing oxygen transport and causing tissue damage.
Which system is specifically affected by benzene, increasing leukemia risk?
The hematopoietic system, because benzene damages bone marrow, suppresses blood cell production, and raises cancer risk.
Which pollutant is produced by combustion and is a common workplace hazard?
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, both released during burning processes, with CO being acutely toxic.
Portable gas detectors often rely on which principle of chemistry?
Electrochemical reactions, where gas molecules generate an electrical signal proportional to concentration.
Rotating employees to reduce exposure time is what type of measure?
An organizational measure, distributing risk across workers and reducing cumulative exposure.
Which general effect occurs when chemicals interfere with oxygen transport in blood?
Impaired hemoglobin function, leading to systemic oxygen deprivation, dizziness, fatigue, and long‑term organ damage if exposure continues.
Which organ is specifically damaged by silica dust through fibrosis?
The lungs, as silica particles trigger chronic inflammation, scarring, and silicosis — a progressive, irreversible disease.
Vapors from solvents belong to which type of workplace pollutant?
Chemical vapors, volatile compounds that evaporate easily, accumulate in air, and can cause acute or chronic toxicity.
What type of badge worn by workers provides time‑weighted exposure data?
A dosimeter badge, passively collecting chemical exposure over a shift, later analyzed for cumulative dose.
What medical measure involves periodic examination of workers’ lung function?
Spirometry or pulmonary function tests, monitoring respiratory health and detecting early occupational disease.
What is the term for the combined toxic effect of multiple chemicals?
Synergism, where two or more chemicals interact to produce a stronger toxic effect than either alone — for example, alcohol and certain drugs intensifying CNS depression.
Which disease results from the specific action of asbestos fibers?
Mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the pleura caused by asbestos fibers embedding in tissue, leading to genetic mutations and uncontrolled cell growth.
What category of pollutants includes fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs?
Respirable particulate matter (PM2.5), which bypasses upper airway defenses, reaches alveoli, and contributes to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
Which rapid method uses infrared absorption to detect organic vapors?
Infrared spectroscopy, since organic molecules absorb IR radiation at characteristic wavelengths, allowing quick identification and quantification of hazardous vapors in real time.
What principle emphasizes eliminating hazards at the source rather than relying on PPE?
The hierarchy of controls, prioritizing elimination or substitution of hazards, followed by engineering and administrative controls, with PPE as the last line of defense.