The lab is an area of scientific activity and as such it houses hazardous chemicals. It is also the site of dangerous procedures. Some of these chemicals and procedures are part of industry or they may be relevant to scientific experimentation. They require that lab staff observe safety precautions. One of these is the installation and use of laboratory fume hoods, which should be obligatory in all labs in San Antonio TX.
In appearance and principle, the fume hood is somehow similar to the extractor hood that some kitchens have above their stove. But the fume hood is more complex in how it operates. The extraction of dangerous gases is the basic concept in both, but some lab hoods filter and then recycle the extracted air. This is sometimes necessary where a reaction requires a specific temperature to be maintained in the reaction environment.
Scientific practice these days involves a litany of toxic chemicals. Skilled staff should be able to observe the essential safety measures relating to experiments or the analysis of unidentified substances. They should know how to work with these or any hazardous chemicals, and they should also be conversant with those substances that they use in their specific area of scientific activity or enquiry.
An obvious example of a hazardous chemical is mercury, which is liquid at room temperature. Mercury is a metal, like other metals, but its melting point is so low that it liquefies at room temperature. This also means that it emits a small amount of mercury vapor. Inhalation of this vapor causes mercury poisoning, since the vapor is as dangerous as the liquid metal itself.
Mercury causes permanent damage to the nervous system, and this is one of its most serious symptoms. It can also cause death, as was witnessed in Japan, where mercury polluted the coastal waters and poisoned a large number of people. There were roughly 50 fatalities. The condition that mercury causes was named Minimata after this specific incident.
Another example of a dangerous vapor is sodium hydroxide. This is more commonly known as caustic soda. It is indeed caustic, so much so that inhalation of the dust that rises from it when the powder form is not handled gently can corrode the respiratory tract and the lungs, potentially causing lung cancer. If it is deposited on the skin, it dissolves in the sweat and starts to corrode the tissue.
A more obvious hazard is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). This is a heavy duty corrosive chemical that is used in industry. It is typically marketed in powder form, but if the powder is not handled sensitively, it gives off a fine vapor. This vapor can be breathed in. Once it comes into contact with the interior of the respiratory system it corrodes the tissue there, even in the lungs. This can cause lung cancer. On the skin, it forms a solution with sweat which destroys the skin and the tissue underneath.
Laboratories should only allow qualified workers to handle hazardous substances. There should be no disregard shown to the necessary safety measures. Where noxious gases are inhaled, this can be ignored for a while, but staff may not be aware that they are being affected by the gases. Gung-ho statements by a worker that they are "used to" the hazardous chemical or that it has practically no effect on them are irresponsible and should be disciplined. A fume hood should always be installed if it is necessary.
In appearance and principle, the fume hood is somehow similar to the extractor hood that some kitchens have above their stove. But the fume hood is more complex in how it operates. The extraction of dangerous gases is the basic concept in both, but some lab hoods filter and then recycle the extracted air. This is sometimes necessary where a reaction requires a specific temperature to be maintained in the reaction environment.
Scientific practice these days involves a litany of toxic chemicals. Skilled staff should be able to observe the essential safety measures relating to experiments or the analysis of unidentified substances. They should know how to work with these or any hazardous chemicals, and they should also be conversant with those substances that they use in their specific area of scientific activity or enquiry.
An obvious example of a hazardous chemical is mercury, which is liquid at room temperature. Mercury is a metal, like other metals, but its melting point is so low that it liquefies at room temperature. This also means that it emits a small amount of mercury vapor. Inhalation of this vapor causes mercury poisoning, since the vapor is as dangerous as the liquid metal itself.
Mercury causes permanent damage to the nervous system, and this is one of its most serious symptoms. It can also cause death, as was witnessed in Japan, where mercury polluted the coastal waters and poisoned a large number of people. There were roughly 50 fatalities. The condition that mercury causes was named Minimata after this specific incident.
Another example of a dangerous vapor is sodium hydroxide. This is more commonly known as caustic soda. It is indeed caustic, so much so that inhalation of the dust that rises from it when the powder form is not handled gently can corrode the respiratory tract and the lungs, potentially causing lung cancer. If it is deposited on the skin, it dissolves in the sweat and starts to corrode the tissue.
A more obvious hazard is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). This is a heavy duty corrosive chemical that is used in industry. It is typically marketed in powder form, but if the powder is not handled sensitively, it gives off a fine vapor. This vapor can be breathed in. Once it comes into contact with the interior of the respiratory system it corrodes the tissue there, even in the lungs. This can cause lung cancer. On the skin, it forms a solution with sweat which destroys the skin and the tissue underneath.
Laboratories should only allow qualified workers to handle hazardous substances. There should be no disregard shown to the necessary safety measures. Where noxious gases are inhaled, this can be ignored for a while, but staff may not be aware that they are being affected by the gases. Gung-ho statements by a worker that they are "used to" the hazardous chemical or that it has practically no effect on them are irresponsible and should be disciplined. A fume hood should always be installed if it is necessary.
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