What are classed as hazardous substances in the workplace?

As someone who works in industrial hygiene field myself let me tell you that hazardous substances, at work can be anything that might pose a threat to your health. We're referring to things such as chemicals (such as cleaning agents, paints and solvents) agents (such as bacteria or viruses) and even natural substances, like grain dust. In manufacturing environments it's common to encounter fumes from welding or soldering and different types of dust coming from wood, metal or stone. Various dangers can manifest in ways such, as liquids, gases, solids, mists or fumes. It's important to keep in mind that if something can be breathed in absorbed through the skin or inadvertently ingested and has the potential to cause harm it is classified as hazardous.