When eating and drinking can kill
This isn’t about cholesterol or sugars or the dangers of alcohol and driving. This is about eating and drinking in the wrong kind of workplace. We need to understand how hazardous materials can enter our bodies, and how eating or drinking in areas where hazardous materials are used or stored can be …. well, hazardous.
Hazardous materials, like chemicals, radioactive materials and microbes, can enter our bodies by inhalation, ingestion, injection or absorption. If we eat or drink (ingest) in a workplace where we either store or use hazardous materials, we are taking a risk that the some of the hazardous materials may become airborne or contaminate our hands. From there, the contaminant can easily go onto our food, or onto the outside of our cups or soda bottles. Incidentally, the same thing can happen if you chew gum or toothpicks in the workplace.
What is the wrong kind of workplace? Generally, any place where chemicals, biological hazards (bloodborne pathogens, microbes) or radiation is used or stored. We usually think of laboratories as classic examples, but art studios, grounds services, repair shops and patient care areas are also areas where hazardous materials reside.
Try to look at your workplace with fresh eyes; if you are working with any type of chemical or other hazardous material, you don’t want to eat or drink there. And be sure to wash your hands before eating or drinking.
This article is part of an ongoing series of health and safety articles aiming to raise awareness among Temple University employees, faculty and students about a range of health and safety issues.
For further information about this article, please contact Environmental Health and Radiation Safety at 215-707-2520. This is an initiative developed by Temple’s Health and Safety Committee, comprising members from across the University community. If you have other health and safety questions, suggestions or concerns, please e-mail the Health and Safety Committee at healthandsafety@temple.edu.
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