Cadmium Used in electroplating, paint pigments and many types of solder. Cadmium induces cancer in lab animals and is linked to lung and prostate cancer in humans. Low-level exposure can be toxic. Chlorinated hydrocarbons Chemicals including PCBs. Firefighters, employees who produce plastics or those who work with electrical transformers can be exposed.
Some chemicals can cause an acne-like skin problem or cancer.
Pharmaceutical employees, embalmers and farm workers can be exposed to substances containing estrogen, which can be tracked from the job site. Health problems may include breast development in men and boys and early menstruation. Infectious agents Health care workers, police, farm workers, veterinarians and others may take home infectious agents. Health effects include giardiasis, an intestinal disease, and brucellosis, an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Lead Employees who fix batteries, melt lead or bronze, fix radiators, paint ceramics, remove paint, work at a shooting range and others can be exposed to the metal, which can be transported home as dust that may harm children's brains, nerves and kidneys.