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Occupational Health & Safety (Expert Forum)
chemical exposure
Answered by
Philip Parks, MD - Occupational Safety, Occupational Health, Travel Medicine, Environmental Health
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding Occupational Health & Safety questions pertaining to: Blood Borne Exposures (Needle sticks), Chemical Safety-Spills-Exposure, Confined Spaces, Corporate Planning, Ergonomics, Fire Safety-Exposure, Industrial Hygiene, Hazard Communication, Hazardous Material Handling and Shipping, Health and Productivity Management, Indoor Air Quality, Injuries in the workplace, Noise-induced hearing loss, Nanotechnology and your health, Occupational Asthma, Pandemic Influenza (“FLU”), Personal Protective Equipment, Risk Communication, Safe Lifting Techniques, Workers compensation
chemical exposure
by stimul8tor, Mar 31, 2008 02:49PM
My question is that of possible past chronic chemical exposure. Not too sure what medical category this falls in. But maybe you can help. I am still looking for answers due to my mostly unexplained neurological (headache), neuropsychological (cognative issues), and cardio respiratory (chest pain/shortness of breath), and gastro problems. Since this has been largely unexplained, I've been looking at my past and think there's a fair chance I may have been exposed chronically exposed to chemicals. Quite likely in the form of burned chemical pesticides (or possibly something else) and inhaled in the form of smoke or vapors, but I am still uncertain of the exact chemicals and there is no possible way to know now.
Basically, I'm wondering if this sort of chronic exposure would show up later with the symptoms I've told you about? Also, would the symptoms from chemical exposure in general, typically be slowly progressive over several months or years until the person is incapacitated, or would they typically get slowly better or stay the same?
Basically, I'm wondering if this sort of chronic exposure would show up later with the symptoms I've told you about? Also, would the symptoms from chemical exposure in general, typically be slowly progressive over several months or years until the person is incapacitated, or would they typically get slowly better or stay the same?
Doctor's Answer
by Philip Parks, MD, Apr 03, 2008 11:05PM
, Apr 03, 2008 11:05PM
To: stimul8tor
There are many chemicals and toxicants that may cause acute and/ or chronic health effects. The acute and chronic effects of chemicals are dependent upon the intensity and duration of exposure (or the "dose").
Whether or not the symptoms are progressive, depends on the toxicant, the dose of exposure, and whether or not the exposure is on-going.
Many toxicants have "target" organs that are affected. For example, lead effects the neurologic system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves), kidneys, and red blood cells.
From the EPA, "The health effects of pesticides depend on the type of pesticide. Some, such as the organophosphates and carbamates, affect the nervous system. Others may irritate the skin or eyes. Some pesticides may be carcinogens (cause cancer). Others may affect the hormone or endocrine system in the body." -http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/health/human.htm
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Whether or not the symptoms are progressive, depends on the toxicant, the dose of exposure, and whether or not the exposure is on-going.
Many toxicants have "target" organs that are affected. For example, lead effects the neurologic system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves), kidneys, and red blood cells.
From the EPA, "The health effects of pesticides depend on the type of pesticide. Some, such as the organophosphates and carbamates, affect the nervous system. Others may irritate the skin or eyes. Some pesticides may be carcinogens (cause cancer). Others may affect the hormone or endocrine system in the body." -http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/health/human.htm
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
