When Safety Data Sheets are a Safety Hazard

Abstract

Over the past several decades, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and, more recently, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) have become a valuable source of safety information for both industry and academia. They provide chemists with important data on reactivity, toxicity, decomposition byproducts, etc., thus preventing various chemical accidents. Conversely, when the SDS contains erroneous information, serious accidents can ensue. This article provides examples of erroneous statements found in SDSs and analyzes their origins. Several measures are also proposed to improve the quality of SDSs.