If they have lost sensitivity, they have much less warning of danger. Corrosive chemicals Corrosive chemicals are those substances which by direct chemical action are injurious to the body or destroy metal. The list of these substances is long, and their ability to cause injury depends on the nature of the corrosive, the temperature and concentration, and the site and duration of exposure. Concentrated sulphuric acid is particularly dangerous if spilt because it is slippery. Nevertheless, all such substances must be treated with caution.
Mutagens are substances known to produce mutations in bacteria.
Such substances are often, but not always, carcinogenic and must be regarded as cancer suspect agents in the absence of further information. Teratogens are substances that can affect human reproductive capacity, and, in particular, the growing foetus owing to its high rate of cell division is especially vulnerable to chemical damage. Exposure to harmful chemicals before pregnancy could exist in the body long enough to harm a foetus. Female workers of child bearing age are strongly advised to show sensibility in the handling of all chemicals. This is a very potent solvent and, while no clear carcinogenic effect has been described for it, it is frequently used to dissolve carcinogens.