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Hazardous substances can enter the body in four ways: inhalation,
ingestion, absorption and injection. Based on the particular
chemical, it may enter the body from one or more of these methods.
Inhalation
takes chemicals into the nose or mouth, down the windpipe, and
into the lungs. Some chemicals become trapped in the lungs. Others
exit while exhaling. However, many chemicals can pass from the
lungs and into the bloodstream. Gases, fumes, and tiny solid
particles are most commonly inhaled.
Ingestion
occurs when you swallow something that ends up in the stomach.
From the stomach, many chemicals enter the intestines where they
can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Tiny solid particles and
liquids can be ingested.
Absorption
occurs when chemicals contact the skin. From the skin, the
chemical can also enter the bloodstream. Liquids and gases can be
absorbed through body surfaces.
Injection
is when chemicals penetrate the body through a wound, cut, or
puncture of the skin. Gases under high pressure can cut skin
tissue and inject chemicals into the body. |
hazards (such as flammability,
corrosion, and reactivity).
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is designed to
ensure that information about these hazards and associated protective
measures is disseminated to workers and employers. This is
accomplished by requiring chemical manufacturers and importers to
evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and to
provide information about them through labels on shipped containers
and more detailed information sheets
called
material safety data sheets (MSDSs). All employers with hazardous
chemicals in their workplaces must prepare and implement a written
hazard communication program, and must ensure that all containers are
labeled, employees are provided access to MSDSs, and an effective
training program is conducted for all potentially exposed employees.
§
1910.1200 Hazard Communication 
All workplaces where employees are exposed to
