• Some chemicals are hazardous because they are flammable or explosive.Chemical explosion image by Edwar Xie from Fotolia.com
  
  Many health and safety risks are associated with the use of and exposure to chemicals. The biological effects are so serious that the United States appointed a Chemical Safety Board to regulate chemical safety and perform investigations when hazards are reported. Not only can chemical hazards have adverse health reactions, they can be deadly.
  
  

Asbestos

• Most people have heard of asbestos, especially if they have "popcorn" ceilings at work or at home. OSHA identifies asbestos to be a chemical safety hazard because of the negative health effects it can cause. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos is a chemical hazard because it can be inhaled into the lungs upon exposure, causing significant damage. People in the construction industry run the risk of being exposed to this chemical, as asbestos is found in textiles, insulation and acoustical materials.
  
  

Chlorine

• Chlorine is a familiar chemical that is used to treat drinking and pool water, and can be found in everyday household products, such as cleaning agents. Although humans digest small quantities of chlorine on a daily basis, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention actually classifies chlorine as a hazardous chemical. Small doses of ingested chlorine have little impact on our health, but if large doses of chlorine are accidentally ingested, chemical toxicity and poisoning might occur.
  
  The CDC also explains that chlorine, in vapor form, is toxic and can be explosive when combined with other chemicals, like ammonia. For this reason, it is advised that people who work with vaporous chlorine chemicals take appropriate precautions to avoid explosive reactants.
  
  

Sulfur Dioxide

• The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry explains that sulfur dioxide, in liquid or gaseous form, can have adverse health effects when it comes into direct contact with humans. When inhaled, sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory infections and induce pulmonary edema. When liquid sulfur dioxide is exposed directly to a person's skin, it can cause redness, swelling and blistering.
  
  

Acetone

• You may be familiar with acetone if you get your nails done or know someone who does. Acetone is a chemical found in nail polish remover, as well as in industrial manufacturing centers. Acetone is a hazardous chemical because it is flammable and can cause adverse medical conditions. If acetone is swallowed, for instance, a person should seek medical attention immediately. It targets the central nervous and respiratory systems, so when people are working with or are near acetone, they must take special measures and wear personal protective equipment.