Technological Hazard >> Toxic chemicals hazard >> Sources of chemical hazard

The production and use of chemicals are fundamental factors in the economic development of all countries, whether they are industrialised or developing. In one way or another, chemicals affect directly or indirectly to all humans and are essentials to our feeding (fertilisers, pesticides, food additives, packing), our healthcare (pharmaceuticals, cleaning materials), or our well being (appliances, fuels, etc). Some of chemicals could be hazardous.

Hazardous materials are chemical substances, which if released or misused can pose a threat to the environment or health. These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research, and consumer goods. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials.

Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage to buildings, homes, and other property. Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and stored in homes routinely. These products are also shipped daily on the nation's highways, railroads, waterways, and pipelines. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants.

The first and most essential step leading to safe use of chemicals is to know their identity, to their hazards to health and the environment and the means to control them. This knowledge should be available with reasonable effort and cost. Furthermore, this inherently complex knowledge must be organised in such a way that essential information on the hazards and corresponding protective measures can be identified and conveyed to the user in a form that is easy to understand.