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Let’s start with the definition of poison given by Paracelso (XVI Century): “Every substance can be poisoning, as a matter of fact it’s only the dose that determines poisoning”. These words clearly tell that actually what we normally call“poisons” , in reality are substances very easily available to everyone. As a matter of fact to make a poisoning happen.it’s enough a dose, and even a very small one, and the right way of contact.
Absorment ways can be different: in fact there are some substances that easily penetrate through the skin, others, instead, can be absorbed by ihalation or ingestion. Both in domestic and business environments, uncorrect behaviors may cause an intoxication either to ourselves or to other people.
Surely pouring substances in other containers (different from the original ones) is togheter the most popular practice, and the most dangerouse one: how many time we lend a product to a friend because “ it cleans really well”, and, since we did not know how to give it out we poured some into a bottle of water?As a matter of fact this is the perfect way to create ideal conditions to make a poisoning happen: in fact we have the substance that is going to be drunk ( the ideal way of contact) usually in sufficient quantity ( sipped) to give intoxication. More over this fact can complicate the situation bringing a delay in the makingof the diagnosis and therefore the cure of the intoxicated person: in fact usually nobody remebers what there was in the bottle.
Other times we have to leave around some dangerous products due to the activity we have to do ( i.e. disinfestation): in these cases is always adviceble to put into action all the possible strategies in order to reduce to the minimum level the chances of contact with these substances and people that must stay in the same ambient.
In case we have to work in a highly frequented public place, it will be safer to choose a low toxicity product under the same conditions. It is useful to inform people on what we are going to do, telling also what kind of substance will be used, so that, in case of an accident, it will be easier for rescuers to help.
It is common to think that substances become dangerous only if ingested, or, even worst, some people believe that after a while we become “immune” to them. The more frequent ways of exposure are inhalation and skin contact, especially on the work place. Therefore, in order to work in safety, we must use some appropriate safety devices.
It is absolutely necessary for the operator to be correctly covered up ( gloves, mask, overall. etc.) in order to reduce to the minimum level any possible contact with the substances he/she is handling.
In fact not only pierced gloves do not protect, but actually, by favouring the skin steeping, they help creating the perfect habitat for the substance to penetrate into the skin.
Masks with filters have to be periodically checked and filters must be substituted as written on the label.
In fact soaked or stuffed filters cannot keep anything anymore. Clothes must be washed separately in order to avoid any form of contamination with other everyday clothes.
If clothing ( not permeable overall) gets wet, it must be taken off as soon as possible( if not immediately) and the operator must wash him|her self carefully. Operators should never wait for the end of the work to wash out because more time goes by more poisoning they may absorb.
Eventhough it is usually very small and not “attractive” at all, the label placed on the product gives us the majority of informations that we need to work in safety. On the label we can find symbols that help us in getting an initial indication on dangers we may risk while handling a specific product.
Toxic or very toxic: substances or compounds that may create serious health damages, either acute or cronic, or even death, through ingestion, inhalation or skin penetration.
Injurios: substances or compounds that create health damages through ingestion, inhalation or skin penetration.
Irritating: non corrosive substances or compounds that with an immediate or repeated or prolonged contact with skin or with the mucous can give an infiammatory reaction.
Corrosive: substances and compounds that can create a ditructive action if come in touch with alive tissues.
Moreover we can find dilution and distribution instructions on the label, where it will be indicated also wheater the product can be mixed with other substances or not etc.
Reading the label carefully will allow us to work in safety, avoiding useless waste and risks both for ourselves and the people around us.
Some rules are fundamental in order to treat an intoxication in an effective way.
In case the patient is unconscious or symptomatic call the emergency number 118.
What to do:
In case of ingestion
In case of inhalation
In case of skin contact
In case of ocular contact wash eyes with water for at least 15-20 minutes ( eyes must be open).
Keep the label to hand and eventually the technical card of the product.
Contact the anti-poisoning center.
Notes on rights and quotations
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