Workplace Exposure

When workers cut or grind concrete, brick or stone, the resulting dust may contain crystalline silica. According to the New Jersey Department of Health Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, when workers inhale crystalline silica dust, silica particles can scar the lungs and cause a disabling and incurable lung disease called silicosis.

Painters commonly use products such as paint strippers that may contain toxic, flammable or combustible chemicals.

Workers exposed to poor indoor air quality may experience headaches, shortness of breath, coughing or nausea.

Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor that has a number of occupational uses, such as a refrigerant; cleaning and bleaching agent; or additive in fertilizers, plastics and pharmaceuticals. Although exposure in typical environmental concentrations is not considered hazardous, exposur

Lead is commonly used at many construction sites, particularly in demolition, salvage, removal, encapsulating, renovation and cleanup. The hazardous substance can pose a risk to workers if they are not properly protected.

Floodwaters can be contaminated with any number of dangerous substances that may cause serious illness or even death, such as micro-organisms, sewage and industrial waste. It is imperative to maintain good hygiene when working in areas affected by floods.

Cleaning up after hurricanes or other storms exposes cleanup workers to floodwaters, which can carry some serious health risks. Floodwaters can be contaminated with micro-organisms, sewage, industrial waste, chemicals or other substances that can cause illness or death, according to OSHA.

Because it is both colorless and odorless, carbon monoxide can be one of the most dangerous gases present in a work environment.

Because mine dust contains large quantities of silica, baggers have to be certain to limit their exposure to prevent potentially deadly conditions.

Flu season can strike a workplace hard. In 2009, the H1N1 influenza virus emerged, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes the virus is likely to spread again this season in conjunction with the seasonal flu.