Benzene is a sweet-smelling, highly combustible, clear liquid that can be released into the environment naturally or artificially. Benzene is used in the manufacture of numerous products, including paint, plastics, resins, and such.

Welders and those who work in their vicinity can be exposed to the toxic fumes that emanate during the welding process. Welding rod fumes often contain manganese, which is toxic to the body at high levels.

Some occupations like mining and sandblasting involve heavy exposure to rock dust, which often contains silica, or silicon dioxide. Crystalline silica, most commonly found as quartz, is a chief component of granite and sand. When crystalline silica dust is inhaled, … Continue reading →

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in crystalline fibers. Because of its durable and fire-retardant properties, asbestos is widely used in many industrial applications. Unfortunately, asbestos is a dangerous material to work around.