29 May 2024
The ‘danger’ isn't always obvious and it can take years before any signs or symptoms become apparent from exposure.
Mechanics, fabricators, and other professionals working with their hands know all too well the challenges of cleaning up after a long day's hard work. You’ve been handling everything from greasy lubricants and shiny steel to your lunch and back at it again, sanding, welding, cutting screwing (not the fun kind)
The ‘danger’ isn't always obvious and it’s a lot like spending the day in the sun without any sunscreen, it can take years before any signs or symptoms become apparent from exposure.
This can range from skin irritation to serious organ and neurological issues, and some substances are known to cause cancer through repeated exposure.
So why is this so important?
It has less to do with being more productive and more to do with staying healthy for yourself, your friends and loved ones and so that you can have a long career and not suffer from getting sick because of your job.
Health and safety does an alright job at making sure we are all safe, and the effects are immediate. Small cuts to life threatening situations. Health on the other hand hasn’t had the most attention. Stay home when you're sick and wash your hands.
You’re already wearing overalls, gloves, hoods, masks, goggles and look like one of those old divers from 70 years ago. There isn't much more you could add to protect yourself. ordinary soaps are great for when you’ve gone to the loo but may fall short when it comes to removing industrial contaminants.
Let's start with how our skin works, I’ll keep it simple.
Our skin is one massive organ and links the outside world to our inside world and acts as a protective barrier against external substances. The skin is not a shield and substances can still get absorbed through exposure as well as cuts and grazes, and if or when it reaches the bloodstream is when these toxins start causing issues.
The extent of absorption depends on various factors such as the chemical properties of the substance, the duration and frequency of exposure, the condition of the skin, and the presence of any protective measures like gloves or clothing.
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, chromium can be absorbed through the skin.
These substances can pose significant health risks when absorbed into the body over time.
- Systemic Toxicity: Damage to internal organs and systems.
- Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions: Irritation, redness, itching, or allergic reactions on the skin.
- Organ Damage: Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium are known to accumulate in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain, leading to organ damage and dysfunction over time.
- Neurological Effects: Certain toxic materials, particularly heavy metals, can affect the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as cognitive impairment, tremors, and nerve damage.
- Cancer: Exposure to certain chemicals found in grease, grime, and industrial contaminants may increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly skin cancer or cancers of internal organs.
- Reproductive and Developmental Effects: Fertility issues, birth defects, or developmental delays in children exposed in utero or during early childhood.
- Endocrine Disruption: Disruption to the the normal functioning of hormones in the body, potentially leading to reproductive problems, metabolic disorders, and other health issues.
None of this is meant to scare you or convince you to do anything more than you already are. The job is tough enough as it is without more health and safety coming at you.
Change or add a hand soap meant for removing and cleansing grease, grime and heavy metals.
Simply making that change will decrease your exposure to any cross contamination during smoko and lunch.
If you have a look around, you’ll find heaps of heavy duty, abrasive type of hand cleaners, these are a great start and you’ll probably already have some in your workshop. Although these are great for cleaning grease, oils, dirt and some solvents. They don’t remove some of the more toxic substances.
If you want to go one step further, Trade-Tough’s range of soaps and washes are made for washing away and removing heavy metal particles, dusts and contaminants by suspending them in the soap and allowing it to wash off your skin, hair, clothes and PPE.
Embracing the full range of Trade-Tough products brings a whole lot of benefits to the table. These heavy-duty cleaning solutions are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of workshops, where traditional cleaners often fall short.
The benefits of Trade-Tough:
- Targeted Formulation: Products are specifically designed to remove heavy metals and contaminants from grease and oil.
- Skin Health: With added moisturizers and skin conditioners, Trade-Tough products help prevent dryness and irritation, promoting healthier skin with regular use.
- Time Savings: The effectiveness of the cleaners reduces the time and effort needed for extensive cleanups, allowing you to focus on more productive tasks.
- Versatility: Whether it's your hands, clothes, or workshop surfaces, there's a Trade-Tough product ready to tackle the dirt.
Incorporating Trade-Tough into your cleaning routine benefits your personal health and contributes to a safer and more productive workshop environment for everyone. By reducing exposure to harmful substances and minimizing cross-contamination, you're protecting yourself and your team.
Embrace the full range of Trade-Tough products to maintain a cleaner, healthier workshop.
