Review of the Literature on Determinants of Chemical Hazard Information Recall among Workers and Consumers

Farzana Sathar,Mohamed Dalvie,Hanna-Andrea Rother

doi:10.3390/ijerph13060546

Farzana Sathar, Mohamed Dalvie + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13060546

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Abstract

In many low and middle income countries (LMIC), workers’ and consumers’ only access to risk and hazard information in relation to the chemicals they use or work with is on the chemical label and safety data sheet. Recall of chemical hazard information is vital in order for label warnings and precautionary information to promote effective safety behaviors. A literature review, therefore, was conducted on determinants of chemical hazard information recall among workers and consumers globally. Since comprehension and recall are closely linked, the determinants of both were reviewed. Literature was reviewed from both online and print peer reviewed journals for all study designs and countries. This review indicated that the level of education, previous training and the inclusion of pictograms on the hazard communication material are all factors that contribute to the recall of hazard information. The influence of gender and age on recall is incongruent and remains to be explored. More research is required on the demographic predictors of the recall of hazard information, the effect of design and non-design factors on recall, the effect of training on the recall among low literate populations and the examining of different regions or contexts.

Highlights

The purpose of a hazard warning is to provide and remind users of relevant hazard information and to promote safety behaviors [1,2]
This review has demonstrated that the levels of comprehension and recall among consumers and workers of hazard information are generally low some symbols such as the skull and crossbones symbol and flammable symbol are generally well recalled and comprehended
Appropriate training in the correct interpretation of GHS hazard and precautionary information on the label and safety data sheets (SDS) is an important factor to improving comprehension, and more importantly application, of this information

Summary

Introduction

The purpose of a hazard warning is to provide and remind users of relevant hazard information and to promote safety behaviors [1,2]. Chemicals may have different properties with varying degrees of health and physical hazards, such as carcinogenic, flammable, corrosive, explosive, toxic or harmful to the environment, which is more clearly illustrated on labels. It is important, for users to understand the potential hazards that are displayed on labels due to high chemical exposure risks both in work and non-work contexts.

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