navmc dir 5100.8 marine corps occupational safety and ... - US Navy

2. Types of HazardsMARCOR OSH PROGRAM MANUAL 17006a. Toxic. Substance that causes damage to any structure orfunction of the body.b. Carcinogen. Substance that promotes growth of cancer ortumor in an exposed worker.c. Mutagen. Substance that causes changes in the geneticstructure of cells. A mutation of body cells may manifestitself as cancer. A mutation of reproductive cells may manifestitself as birth defects or stillbirth in children of affectedparents, or sterility of the exposed worker.d. Teratogen. Substance that causes a developing fetus tobe deformed, yet does not affect the mother.3. Routes of Entry. Four methods by which a hazardoussubstance may enter a body are:a. Inhalation. Breathing of gas, fumes, vapors, mist, ordusts. This is the most common route of entry.b. Ingestion. Hazardous substances can be taken internallyby swallowing or eating.c. Absorption through skin, ocular and mucous membranes.Direct skin contact may allow many substances to be absorbed,especially if the skin is broken by cuts, abrasions, or scabs.d. Injection. Accidental injection of a hazardoussubstance may occur during a puncture wound or from pressurizedfluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid pressure line leak, high pressurepaint sprayers).4. Exposure. Exposure is defined as the combination of factorssuch as: amount, type, and toxicity of a substance, route ofentry, and duration of exposure.a. Acute exposure. A short-term exposure of seconds,minutes, or hours (one work shift duration or less).17-7