Protective equipment toxins

Primary prevention pertains to actions that are taken before disease develops. The first line of defense against toxin-induced disease is the recognition that specific exposures are hazardous this distinction is based on either prior human experience or experimental evidence. Recognized hazards may then be eliminated from the environment through substitution, through engineering controls, or through personal protective equipment. 

Acids, alkalis, and phenols are acute toxins (the effect appears rapidly). Acids and alkalis destroy the skin tissue while phenol rapidly attacks internal body organs. Other absorbed materials can affect the body in a chronic way (the effect becomes visible only after repeated exposures). Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the most widely used means of protection against absorption. Gloves, coveralls, and face shields protect the worker from splash contact with toxic chemicals. However, PPE, if it is not donned properly, is useless for protection. 

Women require additional safety measures to protect their reproductive health. For example, certain chemicals are reproductive toxins that women should not handle. Organizational leaders should ensure that female laboratory personnel are provided with the appropriate guidelines, training, and equipment needed for their safety and security. 

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