BAMIDELE OLUMILUA UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY,
IKERE EKITI.

NAME: WASIU FATIMOH ABOSEDE

MATRIC NUMBER: 7649
DEPARTMENT: SLT
COURSE CODE: SLT 114
COURSE TITLE: GLASS BLOWING TECHNOLOGY

ASSIGNMENT
HOW'S RESPIRATORY HAZARD SO SIGNIFICANT IN THE
LABORATORY

Lecturer in charge
Dr Oyeniran, Dr Olowe
HOW'S RESPIRATORY HAZARD SO SIGNIFICANT IN THE
LABORATORY

WHAT ARE RESPIRATORY HAZARDS

Respiratory hazards are substances, conditions, or environmental factors that pose a risk
to the respiratory system when inhaled. Exposure to these hazards can lead to acute or
chronic health effects, ranging from irritation and discomfort to serious respiratory
diseases. Respiratory hazards can be encountered in various settings, including
workplaces, laboratories, outdoor environments, and homes. Here are some common
types of respiratory hazards:
Chemical Fumes and Vapors: Inhalation of chemical fumes, vapors, or gases can be
hazardous. These substances may include solvents, acids, bases, and toxic industrial
chemicals. Prolonged exposure can lead to lung irritation, chemical pneumonitis, or
chronic respiratory diseases.
Particulate Matter: Airborne particles, such as dust, smoke, pollen, and fine particulate
matter (PM2.5), can irritate the respiratory system and, when inhaled over time, may
contribute to respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or lung cancer.
Allergens: Allergenic substances like pollen, mold spores, animal dander, and dust mites
can trigger allergic reactions in the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as
sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.
Biological Agents: Exposure to biological agents like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores
can lead to respiratory infections. Examples include tuberculosis, influenza, and fungal
lung diseases.
Toxic Gases: Inhalation of toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and chlorine (Cl2), can have immediate health effects,
including poisoning, as well as long-term respiratory damage.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs emitted from sources like paints,
adhesives, cleaning products, and building materials can contribute to indoor air pollution
and respiratory irritation.
Asbestos: Exposure to asbestos fibers, often found in older building materials and
insulation, can lead to serious respiratory diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and
lung cancer.
Dust from Industrial Processes: Industries involving cutting, grinding, or machining of
materials can generate airborne dust that poses respiratory risks, especially if it contains
hazardous substances like silica or heavy metals.
Occupational Exposures: Workers in certain industries, such as construction,
agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, may face specific respiratory hazards associated
with their job tasks, like exposure to silica dust, welding fumes, or agricultural dust.
Environmental Pollution: High levels of air pollution in urban areas, often caused by
vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and natural sources, can contribute to respiratory
problems, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Smoke and Fire: Inhalation of smoke from fires, whether indoor or outdoor, can be
extremely hazardous due to the presence of harmful chemicals, particulate matter, and
combustion byproducts.

It's essential to recognize and control respiratory hazards to protect respiratory health.
Occupational safety regulations, proper ventilation, personal protective equipment
(PPE), and safety measures such as hazard assessments and training are critical in
reducing exposure to these hazards in various settings.

HOW'S RESPIRATORY HAZARD SO SIGNIFICANT IN THE

LABORATORY
Respiratory hazards are significant in laboratory settings due to the potential exposure to
various chemicals, substances, and particles that can be harmful when inhaled. The
significance of respiratory hazards in the laboratory is underscored by several key factors:
Chemical Exposure: Laboratories often handle a wide range of chemicals, including
volatile and hazardous substances. Inhalation is one of the primary routes of exposure to
these chemicals. Many chemicals can lead to respiratory irritation, lung damage, or long-
term health effects when inhaled.
Airborne Particles: Laboratories may generate airborne particles through processes like
grinding, mixing, or handling powders. These particles can include allergens, dust,
fumes, and aerosols that pose respiratory risks.
Toxic Gases: Laboratories may use or produce toxic gases as part of experiments or
chemical processes. Inhaling these gases can lead to immediate health hazards or long-
term health effects, depending on the gas's properties.
Unknown Hazards: In research and development laboratories, scientists often work with
new or unknown substances. Without a full understanding of a substance's hazards,
inhalation risks can be significant.
Inadequate Ventilation: Insufficient ventilation systems can fail to adequately remove
airborne contaminants from the laboratory, leading to a buildup of hazardous substances
in the air.
Accidents and Spills: Accidents, such as chemical spills or equipment failures, can
release hazardous substances into the air, creating immediate respiratory risks for
laboratory personnel.
Chronic Exposure: Laboratory workers may spend extended periods in close proximity
to respiratory hazards, increasing the risk of chronic exposure and long-term health
effects.
Occupational Health Concerns: Laboratories often have a diverse workforce, including
researchers, technicians, and students. Protecting the respiratory health of all personnel is
a critical occupational health concern.
To mitigate respiratory hazards in laboratories, safety measures are essential:
Engineering Controls: These include effective laboratory fume hoods, local exhaust
ventilation systems, and airflow controls to minimize airborne contaminants.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers should wear appropriate respiratory
protection, such as respirators or masks, when handling hazardous substances or working
in environments with known respiratory hazards.
Safety Training: Laboratory personnel must receive proper training on the handling and
storage of hazardous chemicals, as well as the correct use of respiratory protection.
Chemical Risk Assessment: Laboratories should conduct thorough risk assessments to
identify respiratory hazards and implement control measures accordingly.
Emergency Procedures: Laboratories should have well-defined emergency procedures
in case of respiratory exposure incidents, including access to emergency eyewash and
shower facilities.
Regular Monitoring: Routine air quality monitoring and exposure assessments should
be conducted to ensure that respiratory hazards are adequately controlled.