Chemical Exposure: The Long-Term Effects

Written By: IDA Health & Wellness Taskforce

This article is a contribution on behalf of the IDA Health & Wellness Taskforce. 

As a detailer, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on the job is important. Detailing products contain a variety of ingredients, both active and inert, some of which are harmful to humans in close contact. Handling these chemicals without protective gear appropriate to the type and strength of the product can have longer-lasting consequences than you might think. 

A few of the most common types of chemicals used in detailing include solvents, saponifiers, and surfactants (also known as detergents). Long-term exposure to these chemicals impacts the handler negatively, both physically and mentally.

For example, exposure to saponifiers can cause eye irritation, dermatitis, and may cause organ damage including harmful effects on fertility.

Long-term exposure to solvents affects your central nervous system, which can result in anxiety, irritability, memory impairment, and decreased concentration. Solvent exposure can also affect kidney function, cause anemia and other physical health issues. Learn more about solvent exposure risks here: Long-Term Effects of Solvent Exposure International Labour Organization: Solvents The effects of exposure to surfactants  can include pulmonary impairment (decreased lung function) as well as skin irritation; long-term exposure can also lead to potential carcinogenicity. EPA.Gov, General Surfactants on Human Health Dangerous Detergents compilation Wiki

Health and safety as a detailer is important. Gloves, safety eye glasses, masks/respirators, and covering skin that could be in contact with chemicals are recommended. Always  refer to a chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific PPE information. Keep safety top-of-mind at work; work in a well-ventilated area and keep a supply of necessary PPE in stock and readily available in your shop or mobile unit. Keep each SDS on file to reference as needed — it is a source of hugely valuable information. The SDS will identify the chemical, its intended use, the hazardous properties of the chemical, recommendations for response to spills, leaks, guidance for safe handling and PPE measures, proper disposal, and more. Read more about SDS documents here: How to Read a Safety Data Sheet .

Stay safe out there, and check out the Health & Wellness Resource Library  for more information and resources to keep your mental and physical wellbeing in tip-top shape! Interested in more tips on PPE? Check out this article about Personal Protection Equipment on the IDA website.

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IDA.