Many people work in industries where they face potential exposure to toxic chemicals. It may not always be obvious if and when such exposure might have taken place, though. If such exposure goes undetected, it can cumulatively wreak havoc on your health and lead to serious injuries that require medical treatment. It is vital that you proactively monitor symptoms.
According to Business Insider, professions such as radiologists, embalmers, nuclear medicine technologists and chemical plant workers are among some of the most likely to face exposure to toxins. If you are in any of these industries, you should watch out for the following symptoms of exposure and seek medical treatment if any of them appear.
1. Tiredness and weakness
One of the first symptoms to appear in cases of toxic exposure is a sense of exhaustion. This typically takes the form of tiredness, excessive sleepiness and physical weakness. Though these symptoms might be normal or indicative of another ailment, anybody who is at risk of exposure to toxins should pay special attention to these signs. They may precede the appearance of more serious symptoms.
2. Nausea and vomiting
If symptoms progress to nausea and vomiting, it is safe to say that you are ill, and you should not rule out toxic exposure as the cause. These are not the only gastrointestinal symptoms that you may experience, though — you may also suffer diarrhea and cramps throughout your abdominal area. When these symptoms accompany the aforementioned symptoms, it is time to seek medical treatment.
3. Changes in behavior
Many people do not consider the possibility that an illness might impact a person’s behavior as well as his or her health. Because the brain can absorb toxins, however, this is a possible symptom of toxic exposure. Any marked shifts in demeanor or behavior — such as confusion, irritability, depression or anxiety — deserves consideration as a potential symptom of exposure.
