Analysis of reproductive health hazard information on material safety data sheets for lead and the ethylene glycol ethers

Literacy and Hazard Communication

More than 30 million American workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration first promulgated the Hazard Communication Standard in 1983 to ensure that workers were informed of the hazardous chemicals with which they work. Nine research studies published from 1983 to 2005 evaluating the relationship between literacy and hazard communication were reviewed. Three main gaps were identified: lack of learner involvement to improve hazard communication, lack of employer assessment of employee understanding of training provided, and lack of studies assessing retention of the material taught and its application at the worksite. Studies need to involve learners, assist employers in assessing employees' understanding of the material taught, and assess retention and application of the material at a later date. Nurses are often the only health care providers at worksites. Thus, they may be responsible for teaching hazard communication content, or possibly reinforcing material covered during training. Some workers may have low health literacy levels. Occupational health nurses must provide workers with hazard communication training they understand, retain, and can apply at the worksite.

Undisclosed chemicals--implications for risk assessment: a case study from the mining industry

Many of the chemicals used in industry can be hazardous to human health and the environment, and some formulations can have undisclosed ingredients and hazards, increasing the uncertainty of the risks posed by their use. The need for a better understanding of the extent of undisclosed information in chemicals arose from collecting data on the hazards and exposures of chemicals used in typical mining operations (copper, platinum and coal). Four main categories of undisclosed chemicals were defined (incomplete disclosure; chemicals with unspecific identities; relative quantities of ingredients not stated; and trade secret ingredients) by reviewing material safety data sheet (MSDS) omissions in previous studies. A significant number of chemicals (20% of 957 different chemicals) across the three sites had a range of undisclosed information, with majority of the chemicals (39%) having unspecific identities. The majority of undisclosed information was found in commercially available motor oils followed by cleaning products and mechanical maintenance products, as opposed to reagents critical to the main mining processes. All three types of chemicals had trade secrets, unspecific chemical identities and incomplete disclosures. These types of undisclosed information pose a hindrance to a full understanding of the hazards, which is made worse when combined with additional MSDS omissions such as acute toxicity endpoints (LD50) and/or acute aquatic toxicity endpoints (LC50), as well as inadequate hazard classifications of ingredients. The communication of the hazard information in the MSDSs varied according to the chemical type, the manufacturer and the regulations governing the MSDSs. Undisclosed information can undermine occupational health protection, compromise the safety of workers in industry, hinder risk assessment procedures and cause uncertainty about future health. It comes down to the duty of care that industries have towards their employees. With a wide range of chemicals increasingly used, there is a balance that needs to be reached between disclosure requirements, trade secret provisions and definitions of hazardous ingredients for market needs, and the information required to protect the health of their workers.

Reducing exposure to environmental toxicants before birth: moving from risk perception to risk reduction

In this study, we considered approaches to reducing maternal exposure to hazardous environmental toxicants, focusing on risk communication to pregnant women and providers, but also considering identification of environmental toxicants in the community and reduction of environmental toxicants. We addressed the following questions: (1) What do pregnant women and their providers know about environmental toxicants and perinatal health? and (2) What policy strategies are needed (should be considered) to move forward in risk reduction in this area? We reviewed the literature on knowledge of pregnant women and providers regarding these issues. While there is limited research on what pregnant women and their providers know about environmental toxicants and perinatal health, there is evidence of reproductive and perinatal toxicity. This article describes a wide range of policy strategies that could be implemented to address environmental toxicants in the context of perinatal health. Effective leadership in this area will likely require collaboration of both environmental health and maternal and child health leaders and organizations.

Accuracy, comprehensibility, and use of material safety data sheets: a review

OBJECTIVES

Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are used in workplaces to communicate to workers the hazards of chemical products. This article describes a review of the peer-reviewed scientific literature regarding the accuracy, comprehensibility and use of MSDSs in the workplace.

METHODS

Articles were retrieved via a systematic search of indexes and databases, followed by hand searching and citation index searching. Two reviewers independently read and coded the articles using an iterative matrix.

RESULTS

Of the 280 unique articles retrieved, 24 fit the review criteria. Eligible articles included a range of methodologies: laboratory analyses, site audits, surveys and qualitative inquiry. Articles were grouped into three main topic categories: accuracy and completeness, awareness and use, and comprehensibility. Accuracy and completeness were found to be relatively poor, with the majority of studies presenting evidence that the MSDSs under review did not contain information on all the chemicals present, including those known to be serious sensitizers or carcinogens. Poor presentation and complex language were consistently associated with low comprehensibility among workers. Awareness and use of MSDSs was suboptimal in workplaces where these factors were studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the fact that these studies varied in methodology and spanned a period of more than 15 years, a number of common themes emerged regarding inaccuracies, incompleteness, incomprehensibility and overall low use of MSDSs. The results of the literature review suggest that there are serious problems with the use of MSDSs as hazard communication tools. The article concludes with recommendations for governments, regulatory bodies, and occupational health and safety personnel to seriously reassess the ways in which MSDSs are written, monitored, regulated, and used.

Occupational exposures and reproductive health: 2003 Teratology Society Meeting Symposium summary

Assuring reproductive health in the workplace challenges researchers, occupational safety and health practitioners, and clinicians. Most chemicals in the workplace have not been evaluated for reproductive toxicity. Although occupational exposure limits are established to protect 'nearly all' workers, there is little research that characterizes reproductive hazards. For researchers, improvements in epidemiologic design and exposure assessment methods are needed to conduct adequate reproductive studies. Occupational safety and health programs' qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the workplace for reproductive hazards may differ from standardized approaches used for other occupational hazards in that estimates of exposure intensity must be considered in the context of the time-dependent windows of reproductive susceptibility. Clinicians and counselors should place the risk estimate into context by emphasizing the limitations of the available knowledge and the qualitative nature of the exposure estimates, as well as what is known about other non-occupational risk factors for adverse outcomes. This will allow informed decision-making about the need for added protections or alternative duty assignment when a hazard cannot be eliminated. These policies should preserve a worker's income, benefits, and seniority. Applying hazard control technologies and hazard communication training can minimize a worker's risk. Chemical reproductive hazard training is required for workers by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Hazard Communication Standard. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has formed a National Occupational Research Agenda Team to promote communication and partnering among reproductive toxicologists, clinicians and epidemiologists, to improve reproductive hazard exposure assessment and management, and to encourage needed research.

Parents worried about breast milk contamination. What is best for baby?

Breast milk contamination may concern parents who are worried about their infant's exposure to environmental or occupational chemicals. This article examines the risks posed by chemicals in breast milk compared to the risks of formula feeding. In addition, this article provides guidance to health care professionals about how to evaluate maternal exposures that may influence breast milk quality. A guide to assessing potential exposures at home and in the workplace is provided.

Health information in material safety data sheets for a chemical which causes asthma

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality of health information on material safety data sheets (MSDS) for a workplace chemical that is well known to cause or exacerbate asthma (toluene diisocyanate, TDI).

DESIGN

We reviewed a random sample of 61 MSDSs for TDI products produced by 30 manufacturers.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Two physicians independently abstracted data from each MSDS onto a standardized audit form. One manufacturer provided no language about any respiratory effects of TDI exposure. Asthma was listed as a potential health effect by only 15 of the 30 manufacturers (50%). Listing asthma in the MSDS was associated with higher toluene diisocyanate concentrations in the product (P <.042). Allergic or sensitizing respiratory reactions were listed by 21 manufacturers (70%).

CONCLUSIONS

Many MSDSs for toluene diisocyanate do not communicate clearly that exposure can cause or exacerbate asthma. This suggests that physicians should not rely on the MSDS for information about health effects of this chemical.

Workplace reproductive problems

Occupational exposures can harm reproductive processes in men or women. Exposures may affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes or the child's health after delivery. The goal of patient management is to provide counseling at an appropriate level. Over-restricting the patient should be avoided while hazardous exposures should be identified and reduced. The occupational history can be used to estimate the magnitude of each exposure. If the exposure is a known reproductive hazard and the exposure level appears significant, there are several options for making the job safer. Modifications in work practices can be accomplished by advising the patient about changing work practices, writing formal work restrictions and talking with the employer. Temporary job transfers may be available. In some cases, a medical leave is needed. The primary care provider can play a key role in assisting patients to reduce reproductive risks.

The evaluation and hazard classification of toxicological information for workplace hazardous materials information system material safety data sheets

Hazardous materials used occupationally in Canada are subject to the legislated requirements of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). This paper describes the administrative framework of WHMIS and how toxicological data are evaluated to determine if a substance triggers WHMIS classification for the toxicological endpoints of acute toxicity, skin irritation, eye irritation, corrosion, dermal sensitization, respiratory sensitization, chronic toxicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity/embryotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. Problems encountered with the information on material safety data sheets are also discussed for each of the toxicological endpoints. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Occupational reproductive hazards

Although the causes of many reproductive disorders remain unknown, scientific evidence is accumulating to implicate occupational agents in fertility disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Effective assessment and management of workers exposed to reproductive hazards often involves a team-based approach. By identifying potential reproductive hazards, making appropriate referrals, and by educating and advocating for patients, clinicians can play an important part in safeguarding the reproductive health of workers.

Developments in reproductive risk management

Internationally, the debate on aims for occupational health policy is expanding its horizons. Included among the issues are not only concerns about safety for workers, but also for their progeny. Equality among the sexes is also assuming a prominent position. In several countries, existing and proposed legislation already considers these matters. In the course of this article it is argued that this legislation and its implementation are inadequate. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, what constitutes health risks for workers exposed to chemical substances is subject to different interpretations. This is further complicated when one includes risks to reproductive function and to the progeny: the reproductive risks of toxicity. The different interpretations of the concepts of safety and equality are also discussed. There are differences in regulations and in standards about whether or not safety factors should be used when knowledge is uncertain. The operation of reasonable measures with a generic or sex specific policy also differs. Secondly, the current occupational exposure limits are set too high. These aspects are considered and it is probable that the policy aims should be made more specific. An elaborated approach that includes the "precautionary principle" in safety standards is proposed. To advise employers in their role as managers of reproductive risks of toxicity, a recently developed system for occupational health and safety services is described. This system is based on two criteria: effectiveness and reasonableness of proposed measures. The effectiveness criterion includes the precautionary principle; the reasonableness criterion includes equal rights and opportunities for men and women. Finally, a supportive governmental policy that is consistent with the most recent international development is recommended.