- Around 100,000 different chemicals find their way into everyday products.
- In 2013 worldwide chemical sales were valued at 3.2 trillion euros.
- Chemicals to assist agricultural production , develop medicine , and produce customer goods can be hazardous to human health over long term , accumulating in our bodies through environmental exposure.
- more than 25% of global burden of human disease can be traced back to preventable environmental factors, including exposure to chemicals.
COMMON CHEMICALS IN HOSPITALS
- Mercury in medical devices like IVs to formaldehyde in laboratories
- Gluteraldehyde in disinfectants
- Dioxins in waste dumps
Patients and health care workers are the most vulnerable.They are exposed to these chemical substances every day.Workers who manufacture and dispose of the products are also at risk
- Disinfectants contain hazardous chemicals including sodium hypochlorite(which irritates the skin and breathing through release of chlorine gas) and glutaraldehyde (a skin irritant and carcinogen) .
- The widespread use of sodium hypochlorite is harmful. They are not only used to clean medical supplies but also to wash surfaces and floors in the reception areas and offices.This chemical cause our eyes to burn and get our sense of smell affected.
DREADFUL CONSEQUENCES
- One million people die from occupational poisoning every year.
- Two million die annually indoor smoke from solid fuel use.
- 1.2 million die every year from outdoor air pollution.
- 375 thousands die die from occupational particulates.
