Occupational Health Hazards Flashcards

Which type of non-ionizing radiation is most associated with occupational skin and eye damage from welding operations?

Answer: Ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet radiation from welding arcs causes photokeratitis (arc eye) and skin burns, making it the primary non-ionizing radiation hazard in welding.

A worker is exposed to a combination of benzene (TLV-TWA 0.5 ppm, measured at 0.3 ppm) and toluene (TLV-TWA 50 ppm, measured at 30 ppm). What is the mixture hazard index?

Answer: 1.2

The mixture hazard index = (0.3/0.5) + (30/50) = 0.6 + 0.6 = 1.2, which exceeds 1.0, indicating an overexposure condition.

Silicosis is most directly caused by inhalation of which form of silica?

Answer: Crystalline silica (quartz or cristobalite)

Crystalline silica, particularly quartz and cristobalite, causes silicosis by triggering fibrotic lung disease upon inhalation.

Which OSHA standard specifically establishes permissible exposure limits (PELs) for air contaminants in general industry?

Answer: 29 CFR 1910.1000

29 CFR 1910.1000 (Table Z-1, Z-2, Z-3) establishes air contaminant PELs for general industry workplaces.

Which occupational disease is specifically linked to long-term exposure to vinyl chloride monomer?

Answer: Hepatic angiosarcoma

Vinyl chloride exposure is associated with hepatic angiosarcoma, a rare liver cancer, as well as acro-osteolysis and Raynaud's phenomenon.

What is the primary route of occupational exposure to lead that contributes most to systemic toxicity in industrial settings?

Answer: Inhalation of lead fume and dust

Inhalation of lead fume and fine dust particles is the primary industrial exposure route, with high pulmonary absorption leading to systemic toxicity.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is classified under which category of occupational health hazard?

Answer: Physical hazard

HAVS is caused by mechanical vibration energy transmitted to the hand and arm, classifying it as a physical hazard.