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INTRODUCTION TO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH |
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Types of Air Contaminants - States of Matter |
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Gas and Vapor
contaminants, similar to particulate
contaminants, are potentially hazardous. Gases are formless fluids that expand to occupy the space or enclosure in which they are confined. Gases are a state of matter in which the molecules are unrestricted by cohesive forces. Examples are arc-welding gases, internal combustion engine exhaust gases, and air. Vapors are the volatile form of substances that are normally in the solid or liquid state at room temperature and pressure. Evaporation is the process by which a liquid is changed into the vapor state and mixed with the surrounding atmosphere. Some of the most common exposures to vapors in industry occur from organic solvents. Solvents with low boiling points form vapors readily at room temperature. Solvent vapors enter the body mainly by inhalation, although some skin absorption can occur. |
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