Chemicals are components that are in everything around us. They may come in the form of fumes, gases, liquids, or mixed in items used in daily life. The following substances are chemicals in our daily life and affect our health.

 

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas. People often get this gas from incomplete combustion of oil or fuel, such as exhaust from cars, engines, and various industrial machines. Carbon monoxide usually enters the body through inhalation due to its gaseous state if too much inhaling will result in abnormalities. Such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, stomach pain, vomiting, chest pain, feeling confused and dizzy. Exposure with excessive amount of CO at one time, it may cause the body lack of oxygen,
loss of consciousness, and death.

• Ammonia is a chemical in everyday life and is an ingredient in many items or products such as bathroom cleaners, cleaning liquids, insecticides, fertilizers for growing trees. Ammonia is a corrosive chemical with a pungent odor. Inhalation or contact with the skin may cause abnormalities such as dermatitis, irritation, and nasal burning when inhaled.
If exposed to high concentrations of ammonia, it may cause damage to tissues within the respiratory system such as the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs, resulting in swollen throats, coughing, and lung flooding. If exposed to the skin and eyes, it may cause skin burns, blisters, and blindness. And if large amounts are inhaled or eaten, they may cause tissue damage and death. In some cases, low concentrations of ammonia are used to provide first aid to unconscious patients. This is because inhaling small amounts of ammonia can cause irritation within the respiratory system which stimulates the work of the respiratory system.

• Chlorine  Many people may think of chlorine when they see a blue swimming pool but actually chlorine is a type of cleaning agent that was originally in the form of a highly toxic gas, and it can also be found in liquid form. Products those contain chlorine as an ingredient can be found in everyday life include swimming pool disinfectant cleansers, bleaches, and solvents in the production of drinking water. Chlorine is also used for disinfection but in low doses that does not affect the body. However, exposure to high concentrations of chlorine in any form can be dangerous. The skin may experience burning sensations, blisters, blurred vision, burning eyes, nose and throat pain, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, vision loss or death may occur.

• Hydrochloric acid (Hydrochloric Acid) is another chemical that is frequently encountered in everyday life. It has the appearance of a viscous liquid with clear or yellow in color and can be found in gaseous form as well. It is often an ingredient in detergents, laundry detergent, and ceramic cleaning products, swimming fluid and fertilizer. This type of acid is toxic and corrosive if the skin comes in contact with concentrated levels of hydrochloric acid it will cause blisters and burning pain. Contact with the eyes can cause conjunctivitis and blindness. If eaten, there will be a burning sensation in the throat, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, shock, and death. In addition, if inhaled, it can cause coughing, coughing up blood, choking, tightness in the chest, dizziness, suffocation, unconsciousness, and death.

• Sulfuric acid  can be found in both liquid and viscous forms like oil, gas, and solid. This type of everyday chemical has a strong chemical reaction when in contact with water and has a dangerous corrosive effect. Sulfuric acid is found in car batteries, detergent, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner and some types of fertilizer. Most people may be exposed to sulfuric acid through inhalation and skin contact. This can cause severe irritation in the nasal passages and throat conjunctivitis, the skin is blistered. If a high concentration of acid comes into direct contact with the eyes, it can cause blindness.

 

 

- Always read the instructions on the label and follow the instructions, especially
  precautions and first aid methods.
- Store equipment and products containing chemicals in a suitable place, away from light,
  heat, moisture, and away from children and pets.
- Wear protective equipment e.g. Mask, goggles, gloves, or protective clothing every time
  you use chemicals. Especially those who are regularly exposed to chemicals.
- If skin or eyes come into contact with chemicals. You should rinse with clean water
  continuously for at least 15 minutes and see a doctor immediately.
- If you inhale chemicals or stay in an area with a chemical gas leak. You should go to
  a place that is ventilated and not contaminated with chemicals. If abnormal symptoms
  occur, you should immediately go to see a doctor.
- If chemicals are ingested, you should call an ambulance or be taken to a hospital
  immediately. During this time, do not gargle or induce vomiting as symptoms may
  getting worse. If the victim is still conscious, you may drink water or milk to slow down
  the absorption of toxic chemicals.