Question 3 of 7: Airborne Contaminants and Chemical Health Effects

Question 3: Airborne Contaminants and Chemical Health Effects (20 marks: 7/7/6)

Question text not reproduced: the examination questions are © Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Open the official past paper (linked at the top of this page) to read the question, then follow the worked solution below.

(i) Types of Airborne Contaminants

• Dusts (grinding), fumes (condensed vaporized metals, welding), mists (liquid droplets), smoke, gases, vapours, fibres (asbestos).

(ii) Health Effects of Chemicals

• Irritants, corrosives, asphyxiants (simple/chemical), sensitizers (allergic), systemic toxins (organ damage), carcinogens/mutagens/teratogens. Effects may be acute or chronic, local or systemic, dependent on toxicity, dose and route.

(iii) Main Routes of Entry

• Inhalation — most common and rapid (large lung surface, direct to blood).
• Skin/eye absorption or contact — penetration of intact skin or local damage.
• Ingestion — via contaminated hands/food/smoking.
• Injection — through punctures/high-pressure. Controls target the route (ventilation/respirators, gloves/clothing, hygiene).