Fumes
Fumes
Fumes (/fjuːmz/) are a type of airborne contamination that is often associated with industrial processes, but can also be produced by everyday activities such as cooking or burning candles. They are typically composed of small, solid particles suspended in air, which can be inhaled and cause health problems.
Etymology
The word "fumes" comes from the Latin fumus, which means "smoke" or "vapor". It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to vapors, smoke, or exhalations that are often harmful or unpleasant.
Related Terms
- Airborne contaminants: These are substances present in the air that can have harmful effects on human health or the environment. Fumes are a type of airborne contaminant.
- Inhalation: This is the process of breathing in. When fumes are inhaled, they can cause health problems.
- Industrial processes: These are procedures involving chemical or mechanical steps to aid in the manufacturing of an item or items, often a very specific process. Many industrial processes produce fumes.
- Health effects: These are the ways in which a substance or condition can affect a person's health. The health effects of fumes can include respiratory problems, eye irritation, and, in severe cases, damage to the nervous system.
Health Effects of Fumes
Fumes can have a variety of health effects, depending on the specific substances they contain and the duration and intensity of exposure. Short-term exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Certain types of fumes, such as those produced by burning plastics or metals, can be particularly harmful.
Prevention and Control
Preventing exposure to harmful fumes often involves a combination of proper ventilation, use of personal protective equipment such as respirators, and careful handling and disposal of materials that produce fumes. In industrial settings, regulations may also require specific measures to control fume emissions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fumes
- Wikipedia's article - Fumes
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski