Final answer:
Chemical hazards can affect human health in various ways, including irritation to skin and eyes, sensitization, acute toxicity, narcotic effects, and respiratory issues, along with environmental impacts like ozone layer depletion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hazards associated with a given substance can include a range of risks to human health and safety. An irritant can cause immediate discomfort or inflammation upon contact with skin and eyes, such as that caused by hydrogen peroxide. A substance noted as a skin sensitizer can lead to allergic reactions upon repeated exposure. The designation of acute toxicity implies that a chemical can cause serious and immediate harm in case of ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Narcotic effects refer to substances that can induce symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, or a decrease in awareness upon inhalation or absorption through the skin, affecting the central nervous system.
Volatile organic compounds, for instance, can cause headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver and kidneys, and some are carcinogenic. A chemical that is a respiratory tract irritant can cause discomfort such as coughing, wheezing, and pharyngitis, and substances like ozone can seriously damage lung tissue and potentially lead to the development of asthma upon prolonged exposure. Lastly, substances that are hazardous to the ozone layer contribute to its depletion, impacting environmental and human health through increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation.