Dangers of hazardous substances

The list of hazardous substances is endless, however, the following characteristics help in their identification.
Explosive — a substance which is itself capable by chemical reaction, of producing gas at such a temperature and pressure and at such speed as to cause damage to the surroundings.
Flammable Solids — means a solid substance, other than an explosive, which is easily ignited and burns with rapidity, eg potassium sulphide.
Flammable Liquids — means any liquid, which has a flashpoint of 30 degrees Celsius or below. For example: paints, varnishes, fuel like petrol.
Oxidising Substances — substances yielding oxygen and may cause or contribute to the combustion of other materials, e.g. nitrates, permanganates.
Organic peroxides — these are poisonous (acute) substances liable to either cause death or serious injury if swallowed, inhaled or by skin contact eg butanone peroxides,
Infectious Substances — these are substances containing micro-organisms known or suspected to cause disease in animals and humans.
Corrosives — substances which, when in contact with living tissue will cause destruction of that tissue by chemical action, eg acids and alkalis.
Toxic — substances that if inhaled, ingested or penetrate the skin may involve delayed or chronic effects, eg plastic fumes, ammonia.
Effects of hazardous substances on humans and the environment
The variety of hazardous substances used in our everyday lives brings with them an equally great variety of well-documented health effects. In some cases, these substances may irritate the skin or eyes, make it difficult to breathe, cause headaches and nausea, or result in other types of illness.
Some hazardous substances may cause far more severe health effects, including behavioural abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutations, physiological malfunctions (e.g. reproductive impairment, kidney failure, etc), physical deformations, and birth defects.
Impacts on the environment can be just as devastating. Hazardous substances can kill living organisms in a lake or river, destroy wildlife and vegetation in a contaminated area, cause major reproductive complications in wildlife, or otherwise limit the ability of an ecosystem to survive. Certain hazardous substances also have the potential to explode or cause a fire, threatening both wildlife and human populations.
Why appropriate packaging of hazardous substances is necessary?
Having noted the characteristics of hazardous substances, it is evident that they are injurious to animals, human health and the environment. However, we cannot completely scrap off these substances because they are essential for our development.
Instead, appropriate packaging is very important because it reduces any impact the substance has on the environment or to human health. Hazardous materials packaging is vital to keep harmful substances contained. For example, carrying fuel in a jerrycan is a suggested alternative than the use of plastic bottles because they are portable fuel containers, which are solid.
What does the law say about the packaging of hazardous substances?
The Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27) in accordance with Statutory Instrument 12 of 2007 (Hazardous Substances, Pesticides and Other Toxic Substances) Section 4 deals with this matter.
It states that no person shall package a hazardous substance in a container unless the container and its closure will not react chemically or physically with the hazardous substance, which it is to contain.
It also ensures sufficient strength, under the ordinary risks of handling and transport, to prevent the escape of any of its contents.
The Agency may direct the seller of any hazardous substance to submit for its inspection and approval the container of such hazardous substance.
Packaging
The packaging of substances must comply with the requirements of the Agency.
EMA advocates for packaging of fuels and other hazardous substances that should prevent any loss of the contents (spillages) and ensure the materials constituting the packaging and fastenings must not be liable to attack by the contents or liable to form harmful or dangerous compounds with the contents;
Be resistant and solid.