Harm of adhesives

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Typical cases of poisoning caused by the use of adhesives that have occurred in our country in recent years show that occupational poisoning resulting from adhesives has two characteristics: widespread occurrence and severe consequences. This widespread nature is evident in the fact that occupational poisoning related to adhesives occurs in various industries, such as the shoe industry, furniture manufacturing, toy production, leather processing, garment manufacturing, luggage production, packaging, coatings, waterproofing work, and machinery. In terms of the severity of the consequences, acute poisoning has a sudden onset, and one accident can involve multiple people ； In the case of chronic onset, once it occurs it results in severe poisoning, and can even lead to death; the consequences are serious and the social impact is negative. The cause of the poisoning was an extremely high concentration at the work site. Apart from the lack of necessary protective equipment for adhesive application and the workers’ ignorance, the fundamental reason was the very high content of benzene, toluene, or n-hexane in the adhesives used. The health hazards of adhesives manifest in several ways. First is the damage to the skin: such as causing contact dermatitis, loss of skin pigmentation upon contact, and skin blisters. Second is the irritant effect on the skin: such as eye irritation and respiratory tract irritation. Many excipients have an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Third is asphyxiation: Exposure to high concentrations of n-hexane can lead to asphyxiation, while overheated hot-melt adhesives can cause poisoning by carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Fourth are lung diseases: such as pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary edema. Fifth is gastrointestinal dysfunction: symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, which result from irritation of the digestive tract mucosa. Seventh is reproductive toxicity: Pregnant women exposed to organic toxins may experience spontaneous abortion or fetal damage. Sixth is the impact on the nervous system: such as central nervous system depression, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, impaired coordination, numbness, and coma ； n-Hexane can cause various neuropathies. The binders of many adhesives, as well as their additives, can produce **effects**. Eighth is liver damage: dimethylamide, **furan, and vinyl chloride can cause liver damage. Ninth is cardiovascular damage: for example, dimethylformamide can cause elevated blood pressure. Ten is damage to the hematopoietic system: for example, benzene can cause aplastic anemia and even leukemia. Eleven is carcinogenicity: Substances related to the adhesive production or use industries and known to be carcinogenic to humans include asbestos, benzene, hexavalent chromium compounds, formaldehyde, silica, talc containing asbestos-like fibers, as well as the industries involved in shoe and boot manufacturing and repair, furniture and cabinet production, and the rubber industry.