Industrial Toxicology Flashcards
when were systematic descriptions of occupational diseases apparent ?
not until the 18th century but it had been known for a long time that some occupations came with increased risk of ill health
what is industrial toxicology?
it is an understanding of hazards, procedures to minimise the risk of harm, disaster planning
about risk assessments and putting in risk management procedures to reduce risk
concerns protecting health of people having to work with chemical or physical hazards
what did bernadino ramazzini publish ?
in 1700 published a seminal work= De Morbis Artificum Diatribe
- detailed description of occupational diseases
- emphasised the importance of establishing occupation when compiling patient history
what was bernadino ramazzini?
the founder of occupational toxicology
what did charles turner thackrah do ?
he was the founder of leeds medical school
put pressure on government to improve social and working conditions- caused government to introduce acts
19th century
what did sir george baker do ?
identified lead poisoning as probable cause of devonshire colic
what did percival pott do ?
drew attention to the high rate of scrotal cancer in chimney sweepers
what happened between 1830s-1890?
various factory acts were passed
- state factory inspectorate - only 4 initially, then 35 by 1868- tried to ensure sanitary conditions were improved
- women and children banned from working with white lead
- standards set for ventilation, protective clothing, etc
- minimum age for child labour
- limited hours in which children and women could work
what was passed in 1895?
factory and workshop act - notification of industrial diseases caused by lead, phosphorous, aresenic etc - government had to be notified of any diseases caused by these substances
what was passed in 1897?
workmens compensation act - established the principle that those injured at work should be compensated
what was passed in 1898?
thomas legge the first medical inspector of factories
what was passed in 1911?
national health insurance act- covered manual workers for sickness and disablement benefits - not that successful
what was passed in 1946?
national insurance industrial injuries act- provided compensation for loss of ability to work
what was passed in 1974?
health and safety at work act- underpins all current legislations on safety at work - a lot has been over taken by EU legislations
what is asbestos?
naturally occurring fibrous material
crystalline structure consisting of layers of silicon dioxide bonded to layers of metal oxides
known as magic mineral- because it doesnt burn and is resistant to many chemical agents
it is nearly inert
what are asbestos fibres classified as ?
serpentine fibres= fibres often form bundles which are curvilinear and have splayed ends
amphibole= fibres tend to be straight
what are the 3 main types of asbestos ?
chrysotile- white asbestos- only serpentine form in commercial use- major form that is mined as it is the most versatile form because its fibres are long- spun into yarn and then into fabrics
crocidolite- blue asbestos- shorter more flexible fibres
amosite- brown asbestos- fibres are not flexible so its used in construction
what country is most of the chrysotile and amosite mined?
chrysotile- canada
amosite- south africa