Hazard Watch: How much of a concern is ammonia in your workplace?

Aldehydes, including common compounds such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are widely used in manufacturing and can cause eye and respiratory irritation, airway narrowing and, with prolonged exposure, chronic lung conditions like COPD and bronchitis. Because even low‑level exposure can be harmful, employers must implement workplace monitoring, appropriate PPE and engineering controls; RPS offers DNPH‑based sampling media and UKAS‑accredited analysis (NIOSH‑aligned methods) to help businesses measure exposure, verify controls and safeguard employee health.

Trace heavy metals, found in activities from welding and electroplating to mining and smelting can cause serious workplace health problems when inhaled or absorbed, including respiratory sensitisation, lung inflammation, kidney damage and some cancers. Employers must assess and control these risks under COSHH and the Health and Safety at Work Act, maintain LEV systems, and implement regular air and biological monitoring. Our laboratories offer UKAS‑accredited metal analysis and tailored sampling media to help businesses verify controls and protect their workforce.

Mercaptans, also called thiols, are pungent-smelling organic compounds used as odorants and in products from pesticides to animal feed. While their strong scent helps detect leaks, mercaptans can be highly flammable and harmful to health: low-level exposure causes eye, skin and respiratory irritation, headaches and dizziness, and high exposures may lead to severe respiratory effects. UK HSE exposure limits exist for common mercaptans (for example, methyl mercaptan 1.0 mg/m³), and employers must assess and control these risks under COSHH to keep workers safe and avoid enforcement action.