150 Physical Health Hazards in Construction

Health Effects from Chemical Exposure

Note: Some chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, can cause both acute and chronic effects.

Acute Effects

Acute effects occur immediately or within a short time (minutes or hours) following exposure. Some hazardous substances can cause death. Exposure to the chemical is typically sudden, short-term, and at a high concentration. For example, if a worker is exposed to carbon monoxide, they may quickly experience a headache, collapse, or even death.

Chronic Effects

Chronic effects usually develop after continual or repeated exposure to a dangerous chemical. This long-term exposure can occur over several years. For example, a worker could develop lung cancer from long-term exposure to asbestos.

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