All matter is composed of chemical elements.
Chemicals that put people at risk in the workplace are known as hazardous substances. A wide variety of man-made and natural chemicals used in industry and manufacture can be hazardous. These include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, polymers, acids and petrochemicals to name a few. Other substances not commonly regarded as chemicals or hazardous substances may also put people at risk in the workplace. These include such substances as sawdust, brickdust, cleaners and paints.