Occupational/Industrial Health Concerns

Paper Summary:

This paper presents an overview of industrial hygiene concerns and makes recommendations for the reduction of the risks associated with selenium in the workplace.

Outline
Statement of the Problem
Summary of Toxic Properties of Selenium
Summary of Industrial Hygiene Concerns
Recommendations to Management to Reduce the Risk to Workers

From the Paper:

"Selenium is a chemical element in the oxygen family (Group VIa) of the periodic table; the element is closely allied in chemical and physical properties with the elements sulfur and tellurium (Selenium, 2004). Selenium was first recognized as an element in 1818 by Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist. The element is a metalloid (this is an element that exhibits properties that are intermediate between the metals and the nonmetals); it is widely distributed throughout the world; however, such distribution only occurs in small quantities (Selenium, 2004). Prolonged exposure to certain metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, selenium compounds and zinc can cause deleterious health effects in humans (Reilly 1991). At low levels, selenium is considered a nutrient; however, it is being increasingly shown that at higher levels, the element and many of its compounds are toxic in humans (Dunning, 1993). Furthermore, Harris (1991) believes that numerous undiagnosed situations exist where people are suffering from selenium poisoning and physicians simply do not recognize it."

More papers on Occupational/Industrial Health Concerns:

• Essay # 68529 : "The Occupational Safety and Health Act"
• Term Paper # 94679 : "Employee Safety, Health and Welfare Law"
• Term Paper # 144966 : "Regulatory Agencies and Liability Concerns"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: