What Are Systemic Effects?

I was looking at some health and safety data sheets LINK INCOMING in March and I came across something that said “Systemic Effects”. I had no idea what this meant, but to me is sounded like a serious hazard to health. I have done some research on these affects now! It’s made me feel quite sick knowing my husband works with these chemicals and he doesn’t wear the appropriate PPE! What’s annoyed me more is I have said 20 times those chemicals you work with are horrendous the smell from them is intense when he comes home. I have looked at the data sheets previously, but I never noticed this. I never checked the PPE type properly! I am more annoyed at myself for missing this! But equally not my responsibility! It will be mine one day.

Using chemicals at work can have systemic effects if exposure is prolonged or improper safety measures aren’t followed. These effects depend on the type of chemical, duration of exposure, and method of contact (inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion). Here are some illnesses that can result:

Respiratory Issues

• Occupational asthma & chronic bronchitis (due to inhalation of isocyanates in polyurethane coatings)

• Lung damage & COPD (from long-term exposure to solvent-based fumes)

• Increased risk of lung infections (due to respiratory irritation and inflammation)

Neurological Effects

• Headaches, dizziness, & brain fog (from inhaling volatile organic compounds, VOCs)

• Nerve damage & cognitive impairment (prolonged exposure to solvents can lead to neurotoxicity)

• Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (linked to chronic exposure to industrial chemicals)

Skin & Eye Irritation

• Chemical burns & dermatitis (due to direct contact with coatings)

• Eye damage (solvent vapors and splashes can cause irritation or long-term damage)

Liver & Kidney Damage

• Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) (due to prolonged solvent exposure)

• Kidney disease (from absorption of toxins through the skin or inhalation)

Cancer Risks

• Lung & bladder cancer (linked to long-term exposure to certain solvents and isocyanates)

• Leukemia & lymphoma (some chemicals used in coatings are classified as potential carcinogens)

Reproductive & Hormonal Effects

• Fertility issues (some solvents and endocrine disruptors can affect sperm count and hormone levels)

• Birth defects & developmental issues (if exposed during pregnancy)

The safety data sheets do specify in detail all the PPE that should be used to prevent exposure. One data sheet was much better than the other.

Prevention & Safety Tips

• Proper PPE (respirators, gloves, goggles, and coveralls)

• Good ventilation (working outdoors helps, but masks are still needed for close contact with fumes)

• Regular breaks & fresh air (to reduce inhalation exposure)

• Proper handling & disposal (to prevent skin and environmental exposure)

All I am trying to do with this post is raise awareness for operatives to take responsibility to and check out the products they are being asked to work with. Do the RAMS LINK INCOMING your signing onto daily, weekly, monthly reflect the material safety data sheets and the information in them? Yes your employer is responsible for your health and safety, but you are responsible for it too. These health issues may not show up until much later on in life. When you have long left the company where you were exposed to these chemicals. If you have a family and you love them, you need to take care of yourself! Ultimately you are the only person who can do that to the best standard.

I genuinely do care about everyone. I will do my best when I have this business to triple check the safety data sheets. To fully understand the content and ensure my operatives have the correct PPE when they get to site. Would I still want to use these products that have the potential to cause such horrendous health affects! Probably not! I would try and find something that was less hazardous! I reckon I could!

When I run my business I intend to do everything properly! I am very by the book total black and white. I’m sure people will say I’m over the top, health and safety mad! Well you know what, if they say that, they won’t be working for me, with that ignorant old school attitude! Go work for someone who doesn’t give a crap about you and only wants to make money! That’s what I’ll say! This post has made me so angry writing it! We need to start caring more about each other and this post is one of the reasons I have to have my own business.

If my operatives don’t wear the PPE I supply (PPE is equipment, which means it is a chargeable item and will be added to all quotes), that’s another issue. But they probably won’t be working for me for very long if I catch them too many times without it. I will be responsible for their health and safety as much as they are!