Let’s not beat about the bush: the main danger from toxic products is ingestion...a problem which – we hope – only concerns very young children! Then comes inhalation, contact with the eyes, then with the skin. Poisoning, dizziness, burning, and allergies are the main consequences to be feared. But with high doses and long-term use, this can become much more serious.
What are these toxic products? To start with, fuels – remember that mechanics have been forbidden to wash their hands in gasoline for...30 years. We continue with cleaning products – trichloroethylene and acetone in first place – glues, mainly those with epoxy and neoprene components, and resins. Polyester, epoxy, benzol peroxide, aromatic amines: lots of products to be handled with care, and above all, not to be inhaled. And we don’t always think about them, but batteries are not exempt from danger. Although in principle with the ‘sealed battery’ types there is no risk of a leak, when handling them in heavy seas, the same cannot be said for lead type batteries whose plates are immersed in sulfuric acid. In the case of splashes in the eyes or on the skin, rinse thoroughly with fresh water for at least 30 minutes, then take the victim to a medical center. Finally, the last risk with most of these products is fire.
