Community Teaching Presentation on Chemical Exposure Risks

Community Teaching Presentation on Chemical Exposure Risks
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Community Teaching Presentation on Chemical Risks
Extended exposure to chemical substances killed an attending nurse and caused injuries to other exposed individuals in the hospital. Newly and young employed nurses with diverse work, cultural, and educational backgrounds require continuous improvement in knowledge and skills to enhance preparedness and response to chemical exposure risk. This presentation enlightens the newly and young employed nurses at Austin State hospital regarding chemical exposure risk and its sources, adverse effects, and possible solution.
Austin State Hospital Environment
The hospital serves individuals with mental health needs in Texas and surrounding regions. The patients' varying backgrounds, such as ethnicity, education, finances, and culture, influence their access to mental health services. As a result, health workers from diverse backgrounds should reflect cultural competency to enhance individualized and effective care for all patients. Furthermore, the facility incorporates multiple programs and strategies, such as partnerships, a conducive environment, grants applications, and health campaigns, to fulfill patients’ mental needs.
Interview Summary
An interview with the head representative of the newly employed nurses at Austin State hospital reflected the need for continuous training regarding chemical exposure risk for effective preparedness and response against the risk. The representative highlighted that the facility faces several environmental challenges, including chemical exposure risks and solid and liquid waste air pollution. Consequently, health workers and patients experience infection and safety risks, such as injuries and premature death. Therefore, this presentation will enlighten the nurses about various ways of addressing chemical exposure risk, including guidelines and procedures for handling and disposing of chemical waste, regulations, and protective equipment like gloves and boots.
Chemical Risks
Exposure to chemical hazards in health facilities poses significant health and safety risks to individuals. Therefore, health workers should follow the correct procedures and adopt preventive measures while handling and disposing of hazardous chemical substances to prevent harmful effects (Tupper & Smith, 2022). Furthermore, workers should ensure proper labeling, continually improve their skills and knowledge, and observe safety details for varying chemical substances.
Epidemiological Rationale
Tupper and Smith (2022) explained that chemical risks cause approximately 5,000 deaths and millions of injuries annually in the United States. The World Health Organization reported that 12% of the working population globally experiences occupational hazards, including chemical hazards that cause injuries and diseases (Che Huei et al., 2020).
Sources
Chemical risks originate from different sources, such as detergents, solvents, anesthetic gases, drugs, sterilizing agents, heavy metals, and disinfectants (Charlier et al., 2021). Furthermore, airborne particulates and pollutants like aerosolized drugs, toxic chemicals, and volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, xylenes, and chemotherapeutic substances cause adverse health impacts on exposed individuals.
Adverse Effects
Chemical exposure risk is an environmental public issue that leads to adverse safety and health impacts. Different stakeholders, like health workers and patients, experience harmful effects of chemical substances, such as nervous damage, diseases, injuries, ...