There are dozens of dangerous chemicals that may be located in your workplace when you work in the oil and gas industry. From common chemicals, like peroxide and bleach, to less common materials, like mold or crystalline silica dust, there are many hazards to your safety.
Toxic chemical exposure can put your life at risk or lead to serious complications such as:
- Cancer
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Silicosis
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Neurological illnesses
- Death
It’s important for you to know all of the dangerous chemicals located in your workplace and to know how to work with them safely.
What are some of the most common dangerous gases in the oil and gas industry?
If you work in the oil and gas industry, you also have to watch out for exposure to potentially lethal gasses, like:
- Petroleum gas
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Mercury vapor
Benzene is one example of a type of petroleum gas and it is a known carcinogen. It can cause short- or long-term health consequences if an employee is exposed to high concentrations of the substance. Petroleum gases may cause toxicity to the liver, nervous system and kidneys.
Hydrogen sulfide is another risky material. As a toxic gas, it has the potential to cause nausea, a loss of consciousness, dizziness, fatigue, irritation to the eyes and nose and death.
Mercury is another possible toxin that you could be exposed to on the job. It is naturally present in oil and gas, but it can build up in a person’s system over time and lead to a loss of vision or hearing, damage to the kidneys and more.
An employer should take steps to train employees on how to work with these toxins safely. If you’re exposed, remember that you may be able to seek compensation for your losses and future care. It usually takes a skilled attorney to understand all of the possible alternatives you may have.