The place you work at may be posing hazards to your health. Consider some of the top workplace hazards which may be leading you towards ill health.

Asbestos: Asbestos is the commercial name given to a number of minerals used in products like insulation, wallboard materials, automotive brakes, textiles and cement. These minerals reduce into fine particles and remain in the air. The fine particles are easily inhaled while breathing. This can cause life threatening diseases, including lung cancer.

Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas. It is odorless, so you will not realize if you are inhaling it. Carbon monoxide will kill you in minutes if you don’t get away from it.

Engine exhausts are the best sources for carbon monoxide. If there is an engine at your workplace, take precautions to avoid inhaling carbon monoxide.

Heat stress: Working in hot environments may lead to heat stress resulting in dangerous conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat rashes and heat cramps. Vulnerable workers include firefighters, bakery workers, construction workers, factory workers, workers in the metal industry etc.

Noise: Too much exposure to noise leads to temporary problems like ringing in the ears or reduction of hearing. But it can also lead to hearing loss and mental problems in the long term.

Drug exposure in health care: Health care workers who prepare or administer drugs are themselves exposed to dangerous agents. These may cause rashes, infertility and cancer.

Indoor environmental quality: The quality of air in the workplace is a cause of concern. The air in the workplace may be contaminated by cigarette smoke, dust, microbes, perfumes etc. Many indoor workers claim that they feel better health wise when they don’t go to office for some time.

Silica: Many workers in the U.S are exposed to breathable silica. This results in Silicosis, an irreversible disease. It may also lead to lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis and autoimmune disorders. Vulnerable occupations include construction, mining and sandblasting.

Lead: In some occupations, one has to work with lead. Accidental ingestion is highly probable. This results in poisoning, which is a serious concern.