Question 1

How can I safely work with chemicals?

Accepted Answer

You may be working with chemicals in your job or in your home.
To lower your risk when working with chemicals:

 	follow the directions on the label
 	follow all safety guidelines
 	wear the right safety or protective clothing (gloves, mask, and goggles)
 	use the right equipment
 	wash your hands before and after contact with chemicals
 	change your clothing and shower after working with chemicals

If you are exposed to chemicals in your workplace, there are some ways to reduce your risk. Follow all the safety guidelines and procedures recommended in your workplace.

All employers must, by law, provide workers with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for the chemicals they work with. These have information about the possible health risks and how to work safely with the chemical.

Talk with your employer, your occupational health and safety officer or human resource representative to find out more about the chemicals in your workplace. You can also ask for a transfer to another work environment.

Learn more about occupational hazards.

Question 2

What risks are there in home renovations? Are some products safer?

Accepted Answer

Older homes can have lead in the paint or asbestos in the walls, pipes, flooring, paint, insulation or cement blocks.
Asbestos can damage the lungs and lead to lung disease and cancer. It can be found in older homes and buildings. It may be in plaster walls, pipes, flooring, paint, insulation, or cement blocks.

You can reduce your exposure to asbestos by always having asbestos testing and removal done by trained professionals. 

Learn more about safer renovations here.

Use low volatile organic compound (VOC) products. These can include paint, glue and coatings. There are also low-emission carpets that release fewer chemicals into the air.

Learn more about VOCs here.

Question 3

What is an occupational hazard and how can I protect myself?

Accepted Answer

An occupational hazard is an on-the-job risk that could have a negative effect on your health. The risk could be to your physical or mental health. These could include injury, illness, disability (short-term or long-term) or death. 
Below are the different types of occupational hazards: 

 	Physical: heat, cold, light, noise, vibration or radiation 
 	Biological: viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, sewage, bodily fluids or animal products 
 	Chemical: dust, gas or liquid forms of chemicals including solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals 
 	Mechanical: machines with moving parts, rotating blades, narrow or small work sites 
 	Psychosocial: trouble adapting to changing or challenging work environments (this can lead to fatigue, frustration, or emotional tension and burnout.  

To learn more about Occupational Health and Safety in Alberta click here. You will find links to regulation and codes, education and training, following standards and more.  

To help protect yourself: 

 	keep your safety training up-to-date 
 	do all the training that’s offered to you 
 	use appropriate protective gear (including goggles, protective suits, or gloves) 
 	keep your immunizations up-to-date 
 	follow rules about hand washing or cleaning up at work 
 	read all health and safety updates your employer gives you 
 	follow the guidelines from your employer, professional organization, union or health and safety personnel

A Guide for Occupational Health and Safety for workers can be found here. The guidebook outlines what workers need to know to follow Occupational Health and Safety laws in Alberta. 

If you’re concerned about a workplace hazard, talk with your employer or occupational health and safety personnel. 

Talk with your health care provider if you’re exposed to a hazard in the workplace that might affect your reproductive health. 

To report a workplace incident, accident or concern, call the Occupational Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-866-415-8690. 

You can also contact the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission confidential inquiry lines: 

 	Edmonton: 780-427-7661
 	Calgary: 403-297-6571
 	Toll-free in Alberta outside Edmonton and Calgary: first call 310-0000, then call the number for the location closest to you.

Question 4

What are some of the risks when using chemicals in different jobs?

Accepted Answer

If you work in any of the following areas, there are risks with using some chemicals that you need to be aware of. 
Healthcare risks: 

 	Chemicals used to disinfect
 	Some drugs can also put workers at risk. Exposure to chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, and antiviral drugs can affect the respiratory system, damage the reproductive organs, or cause birth defects.

 Printing & Cleaning Services risks: 

 	Solvents can irritate the eyes, lungs or skin. They may also damage the kidneys, liver, heart and bone marrow.

 Cosmetology risks: 

 	Chemicals used in cosmetic products can cause skin irritation, breathing problems and increase the risk of some cancers. Strong chemicals can be found in nail polish, artificial nails and hair dyes and perming solutions. Follow manufacturer’s safety and handling procedures to ensure a safe work environment and a well-ventilated area to reduce risk. 

 Agricultural risks: 

 	Pesticides used in agriculture can cause nausea, dizziness and headaches. They can also lead to nerve damage and hormonal imbalances.

Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) in your workplace to help reduce exposures.

Question 5

What is a foodborne illness? What are the symptoms?

Accepted Answer

A foodborne illness occurs when harmful germs, such as bacteria, parasites, or viruses, contaminate the food that you eat, making you sick. These germs may get into food when it's prepared, processed, or if it's washed with contaminated water.
When in doubt, throw it out: If you aren't sure if a food is safe, don't eat it.
There are two ways that foodborne illnesses occur:

 	Foodborne infection: Consuming food containing harmful germs, such as bacteria, viruses or parasites, can cause foodborne infections. Using a thermometer to ensure your food is heated to the temperature needed to kill any harmful germs in your food and avoiding cross-contamination can help protect you from foodborne infections.
 	Foodborne intoxication: Consuming food contaminated with toxins produced by harmful germs can cause foodborne intoxication. This can happen when foods are not stored at the correct temperature. While cooking food can kill harmful germs, heat cannot destroy the toxins they've produced, which can make you sick.

The first symptom of foodborne illness is usually diarrhea.
You may also feel sick to your stomach, vomit, have stomach cramps, fever, and in severe cases, blood in your stool. Excessive diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration.

While most people recover relatively quickly from food poisoning, some may experience lasting health effects. If you suspect you have a foodborne illness, consult your healthcare provider or call Health Link at 811 for guidance.

Report suspected foodborne illness to Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health through their online portal.

For more information on food poisoning symptoms, see Foodborne Illness and Safe Food Handling.

Environmental Risks

How can I safely work with chemicals?

What risks are there in home renovations? Are some products safer?

What is an occupational hazard and how can I protect myself?

What are some of the risks when using chemicals in different jobs?

What is a foodborne illness? What are the symptoms?

What is My To-Do List?