Thus no food or drink is allowed in laboratories, and hand washing is critically important. Ingestion of small doses of toxic substances over time can cause systemic diseases, such as central nervous system disorders, kidney and livery dysfunction, and cancer. Skin contact includes absorption through the skin and reaction on the skin surface causing dermatitis. Cuts, abrasions, dermatitis provide an easier route for absorption than intact skin. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, impervious sleeves, lab coats, face-shields and goggles are used to minimize skin contact.
Systemic disease can result from skin contact of toxic substances.
Inhalation can result in respiratory irritation or in pulmonary or systemic effects. Reduction of inhalation hazard requires use of local exhaust systems, such as a fume hood. Signs and Symptoms of Exposure Exposure to toxic materials can cause either acute or chronic health effects. Acute effects occur soon after the initial exposure, with the exposure being relatively high and comparatively brief. Chronic effects are often not noticed until long after initial exposure.