Chemical usage continues to rise globally. The utility of chemicals is well documented, but mitigation measures are lagging behind. Many chemical accidents have occurred. As a result, stakeholders are implored to manage their chemical usage, storage and disposal. Chemical accident prevention is a priority in the 21st century.
Chemicals have different properties such as flammable, corrosive, irritant, explosive, toxic to human health and the environment as well as carcinogenic. At farms, industries and nuclear plants there is a big risk of hazardous substances exposure.
It is necessary to eliminate the chemical hazards where possible and ensure that awareness is raised on the dangers of chemicals, their acute and chronic effects. In addition, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be made available to chemical users for continual reference.
Chemicals can have long lasting effects on human health and the environment and as well cause birth defects. The majority of workers are not fully aware of the dangers of the chemicals they use.
An emerging threat is the use of mercury by small scale miners involved in gold processing. There is need for increased awareness on how to manage mercury in that sector. Construction companies use a lot of chemicals including those that are volatile (Volatile Organic Chemicals – VOCs). Respiratory problems as well as accumulation of chemicals around the fatty tissue of vital organs of the body remains a key challenge affecting the world.
The other headache related to chemicals is the issue of dealing with obsolete and expired chemicals. Instead of building stockpiles, organisations should develop strategies of handling expired chemicals which will still exhibit some residual toxicity. Training, awareness and sensitisation are required in order to eliminate fatalities related to chemical usage. In order for countries to develop sustainably, chemicals management should be a priority.
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Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including:
1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency
2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field
3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems
4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series
5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front
Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship.
His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives.
A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.
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