What is the difference between hazardous goods & dangerous goods? Give examples and briefly explain the health effects.

"Hazardous goods" and "dangerous goods" are terms often used interchangeably, but they have nuanced differences in meaning and regulation.

Dangerous Goods:

• Dangerous goods refer to substances or materials that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation. These goods are classified according to their properties and potential hazards.
• Examples of dangerous goods include explosives, flammable liquids, toxic substances, corrosive materials, and radioactive materials.
• Health effects of dangerous goods vary depending on the specific substance but can include burns, respiratory irritation, poisoning, and radiation exposure. For example:
  • Explosives: Can cause severe injuries, burns, and fatalities upon detonation.
  • Flammable liquids: Can ignite easily and cause fires, leading to burns and respiratory injuries.
  • Toxic substances: Can cause poisoning, organ damage, and long-term health effects such as cancer or neurological disorders.
  • Corrosive materials: Can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes upon contact, as well as respiratory irritation if inhaled.
  • Radioactive materials: Can cause radiation sickness, DNA damage, and an increased risk of cancer.

Hazardous Goods:

• Hazardous goods encompass a broader range of substances, including dangerous goods, but also include materials that may not pose an immediate danger during transportation but still present risks under certain conditions.
• Hazardous goods are typically classified based on their potential to cause harm, including physical, health, and environmental hazards.
• Examples of hazardous goods include chemicals used in manufacturing, industrial equipment, and consumer products, as well as biological substances like infectious agents or genetically modified organisms.
• Health effects of hazardous goods can vary widely depending on the specific substance and its intended use. They may include acute poisoning, chronic health effects, allergic reactions, and environmental pollution.

In summary, while both hazardous goods and dangerous goods refer to substances with potential risks, dangerous goods specifically denote materials that pose immediate hazards during transportation, while hazardous goods encompass a broader range of substances with various types of risks. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper handling, storage, and transportation to mitigate risks to human health and the environment.