Safety Data Sheets Research Articles

Characterization of occupational exposures to cleaning products used for common cleaning tasks--a pilot study of hospital cleaners.

BackgroundIn recent years, cleaning has been identified as an occupational risk because of an increased incidence of reported respiratory effects, such as asthma and asthma-like symptoms among cleaning workers. Due to the lack of systematic occupational hygiene analyses and workplace exposure data, it is not clear which cleaning-related exposures induce or aggravate asthma and other respiratory effects. Currently, there is a need for systematic evaluation of cleaning products ingredients and their exposures in the workplace. The objectives of this work were to: a) identify cleaning products' ingredients of concern with respect to respiratory and skin irritation and sensitization; and b) assess the potential for inhalation and dermal exposures to these ingredients during common cleaning tasks.MethodsWe prioritized ingredients of concern in cleaning products commonly used in several hospitals in Massachusetts. Methods included workplace interviews, reviews of product Materials Safety Data Sheets and the scientific literature on adverse health effects to humans, reviews of physico-chemical properties of cleaning ingredients, and occupational hygiene observational analyses. Furthermore, the potential for exposure in the workplace was assessed by conducting qualitative assessment of airborne exposures and semi-quantitative assessment of dermal exposures.ResultsCleaning products used for common cleaning tasks were mixtures of many chemicals, including respiratory and dermal irritants and sensitizers. Examples of ingredients of concern include quaternary ammonium compounds, 2-butoxyethanol, and ethanolamines. Cleaning workers are at risk of acute and chronic inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOC) vapors and aerosols generated from product spraying, and dermal exposures mostly through hands.ConclusionCleaning products are mixtures of many chemical ingredients that may impact workers' health through air and dermal exposures. Because cleaning exposures are a function of product formulations and product application procedures, a combination of product evaluation with workplace exposure assessment is critical in developing strategies for protecting workers from cleaning hazards. Our task based assessment methods allowed classification of tasks in different exposure categories, a strategy that can be employed by epidemiological investigations related to cleaning. The methods presented here can be used by occupational and environmental health practitioners to identify intervention strategies.

A New Correlation and Prediction Method for the Solubility of Metal Complexes in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Using Regular Solution Theory with the COSMO-RS Method

A new correlation and prediction model for the solubility of metal complexes in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) based on the regular solution theory was developed in this study and the solubilities were calculated for metal(III) acetylacetonates: chromium(III) acetylacetonate (Cr(acac)3), cobalt(III) acetylacetonate (Co(acac)3), iron(III) acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3), and rhodium(III) acetylacetonate. The physical properties, enthalpies of vaporization, and molar volumes of the metal acetylacetonates that are required to obtain the solubility parameters were estimated using the COSMOtherm program based on the conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) method. The predicted molar volumes of Co(acac)3 and Fe(acac)3 and the solubility parameter of Cr(acac)3 were in good agreement with the data from the material safety data sheets and the group contribution method, respectively. The binary interaction parameter was introduced into the cross-term of the solubility parameters to calculate solubility. Although some deviations were found in the low-pressure region where the solubility dramatically increased with increasing pressure, the correlated results reproduced the experimental data for all metal acetylacetonates investigated using the physical properties estimated from the COSMOtherm program.The relationship was nearly linear between the values of the interaction parameters optimized by correlation and the pseudo residual chemical potentials of the metal acetylacetonates obtained using the COSMO-RS method. Therefore, the prediction was carried out using the interaction parameters determined from the pseudo residual chemical potentials of the metal acetylacetonates. The predicted results deviated somewhat from the experimental data in the low-pressure region; however, the predicted results reproduced the experimental data in the high-pressure region.

Approaches to Biohazard Analysis of Select Biodefense Vaccine Candidates

Biohazard assessment of biodefense vaccine candidates forms the basis for a facility- and activity-specific risk assessment performed to determine the biosafety levels and general safety standards required for biological product development. As part of our support to the U.S. biodefense vaccine development program, the author performed a systematic biohazard assessment of potential vaccine candidates with the primary objectives to: (a) identify and characterize hazard elements associated with the wild-type and vaccine strains; (b) provide biohazard information on the vaccine candidate to assist Phase 1 clinical trial facility sites; (c) provide a baseline agent and facility-specific risk assessment at clinical trial facilities interested in performing Phase 1 clinical trials; (d) provide comparative hazard profiles of the vaccine candidates with Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for wild-type to identify and establish appropriate protective biosafety levels; and (e) support a determination of the personal...

Optimizing your company's GHS deployment

On June 3rd 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (UNCED) had its Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) declaration endorsed by the UN General Assembly. The declaration stipulated that: ‘A globally-harmonized hazard classification and compatible labeling system, including Material Safety Data Sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be available, if feasible, by the year 2000.’ To bring this declaration to fruition, the UN assembled a group of experts from different countries to develop: a worldwide standard for classifying chemicals according to their health, environmental and physical hazards; and the same hazard communication requirements for labeling and safety data sheets. The goal of GHS is to enhance the protection of human health and the environment, facilitate international trade of chemicals, reduce the need for duplicate testing and evaluation, and to assist all countries in the sound management of chemicals.

Analysis of allergens in metalworking fluids

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are well-known causes of occupational contact dermatitis in machinists. To gain information about skin sensitizers in MWFs and to compare it with the information in safety data sheets (SDSs). A total of 17 samples of MWF concentrates were analysed for skin sensitizers known or suspected to be used in MWF. Alkanolamines, formaldehyde, isothiazolinones, methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN), and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) were separated by liquid chromatography. Resin acids of colophonium (colophony) were separated by gas chromatography. The substances were identified with mass spectrometric detection and ultraviolet detection. Of the MWFs, 15 contained 6-39% of alkanolamines, mostly monoethanolamine and triethanolamine. Formaldehyde was detected in all MWFs: the concentrations of total formaldehyde ranged between 0.002% and 1.3%. Benzisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone were detected in one fluid each. IPBC was detected in nine MWFs, and the highest concentration was 0.09%. Methylisothiazolinone and MDBGN were not detected in any of the fluids. Resin acids of colophonium were detected in seven MWFs in concentrations ranging from 0.41% to 3.8%. On the whole, the allergens analysed were poorly declared in the SDSs. The content of total formaldehyde was not declared in any SDS. IPBC, a relatively new allergen, seems to be common in MWFs. Isothiazolinones may be relevant allergens of machinists, and they should be analysed in MWFs in case other sources are not identified. The occupational relevance of positive patch test results to MWF ingredients in machinists is difficult to determine if information in the SDSs is relied upon.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Fragranced consumer products and undisclosed ingredients

Fragranced consumer products—such as air fresheners, laundry supplies, personal care products, and cleaners—are widely used in homes, businesses, institutions, and public places. While prevalent, these products can contain chemicals that are not disclosed to the public through product labels or material safety data sheets (MSDSs). What are some of these chemicals and what limits their disclosure? This article investigates these questions, and brings new pieces of evidence to the science, health, and policy puzzle. Results from a regulatory analysis, coupled with a chemical analysis of six best-selling products (three air fresheners and three laundry supplies), provide several findings. First, no law in the U.S. requires disclosure of all chemical ingredients in consumer products or in fragrances. Second, in these six products, nearly 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified, but none of the VOCs were listed on any product label, and one was listed on one MSDS. Third, of these identified VOCs, ten are regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, with three (acetaldehyde, chloromethane, and 1,4-dioxane) classified as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). Results point to a need for improved understanding of product constituents and mechanisms between exposures and effects.

Occupational contact dermatitis.

Occupational contact dermatitis accounts for 90% of all cases of work-related cutaneous disorders. It can be divided into irritant contact dermatitis, which occurs in 80% of cases, and allergic contact dermatitis. In most cases, both types will present as eczematous lesions on exposed parts of the body, notably the hands. Accurate diagnosis relies on meticulous history taking, thorough physical examination, careful reading of Material Safety Data Sheets to distinguish between irritants and allergens, and comprehensive patch testing to confirm or rule out allergic sensitization. This article reviews the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of occupational contact dermatitis and provides diagnostic guidelines and a rational approach to management of these often frustrating cases.

Risks with dental materials

Objectives Dental materials are among the most used substitutes for biological tissue in the human body. The possible health effects of amalgam have been studied extensively and have sometimes been replaced with other less well-examined materials. The aim was to study the hazards of other dental materials than amalgam. Methods Toxicological information was collected from the Swedish Dental Materials Register 2003 (DentMr). The material safety data sheets (MSDS) included in the DentMR was examined regarding the given composition of the products, the occurrence of CAS-numbers and risk and safety phrases of the substances. Furthermore, complementary information about risk and safety phrases for substances with missing information in the MSDS was collected by using two easily available databases. Results There were 482 products that included 377 substances of which 219 could be identified. Only 26% of 219 substances had risk and safety phrases. However, via the Swedish Chemicals Inspectorate Classification Register and the Sigma–Aldrich ® product register, risk and safety phrases could be found for 37 substances. A literature search indicated that some of the listed substances had possible hazards, e.g. substances with embryotoxic and neurotoxic potential. Significance The information about hazards with dental materials seems insufficiently described in MSDS and there might be materials with side effects unknown to both patients and dental personnel. There is a need for stronger regulation of dental materials, at least substances that the patients will be exposed to for decades.

Flavouring Group Evaluation 5, Revision 1 (FGE.05Rev1):Esters of branched‐ and straight‐chain aliphatic saturated primary alcohols and of one secondary alcohol, and branched‐ and straight‐chain unsaturated carboxylic acids from chemical groups 1, 2, and 5 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 of 18 July 2000) ‐ Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with

Flavouring Group Evaluation 5, Revision 1 (FGE.05Rev1):Esters of branched‐ and straight‐chain aliphatic saturated primary alcohols and of one secondary alcohol, and branched‐ and straight‐chain unsaturated carboxylic acids from chemical groups 1, 2, and 5 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 of 18 July 2000) ‐ Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with

Application of in vitro neurotoxicity testing for regulatory purposes: Symposium III summary and research needs

Prediction of neurotoxic effects is a key feature in the toxicological profile of many compounds and therefore is required by regulatory testing schemes. Nowadays neurotoxicity assessment required by the OECD and EC test guidelines is based solely on in vivo testing, evaluating mainly effects on neurobehavior and neuropathology, which is expensive, time consuming and unsuitable for screening large number of chemicals. Additionally, such in vivo tests are not always sensitive enough to predict human neurotoxicity and often do not provide information that facilitates regulatory decision-making processes. Incorporation of alternative tests ( in vitro testing, computational modelling, QSARs, grouping, read-across, etc.) in screening strategies would speed up the rate at which compound knowledge and mechanistic data are available and the information obtained could be used in the refinement of future in vivo studies to facilitate predictions of neurotoxicity. On 1st June 2007, the European Commission legislation concerning registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals (REACH) has entered into force. REACH addresses one of the key issues for chemicals in Europe, the lack of publicly available safety data sheets. It outlines a plan to test approximately 30,000 existing substances. These chemicals are currently produced in volumes greater than 1 ton/year and the essential data on the human health and ecotoxicological effects are lacking. It is estimated that approximately 3.9 million test animals (including 2.6 million vertebrates) (Hartung T, Bremer S, Casati S, Coecke S, Corvi R, Fortnaer S, et al. ECVAM's response to the changing political environment for alternatives: consequences of the European Union chemicals and cosmetics policies. ATLA 2003;31:473–81) would be necessary to fulfill the requirements of REACH if the development and establishment of alternative methods is not accepted by regulatory authorities. In an effort to reduce animal use and testing costs within this tonnage band, the European Commission has advocated the use of alternative approaches. Neurotoxicity testing is not directly addressed within REACH, however when alerts are observed based on organ specific toxicity studies then neurotoxicity assessment has to be performed. This session at the 11th International Neurotoxicology Association Meeting provided a forum to openly discuss and debate the potential of in vitro testing strategies that could be relevant for neurotoxicity evaluation in the context of regulatory requirements. The EU FP6 project A-Cute-Tox was presented as an example of a possible in vitro testing strategy for prediction of human acute systemic toxicity. Other presentations focused on the characterization of the available in vitro models (cell lines and primary culture) and neuronal specific endpoints, with a special emphasis on electrical activity, metabonomics and modulation of vesicular neurotransmitter release as possible neuronal endpoints relevant for in vitro neurotoxicity testing. Finally, it was underlined that in vitro systems (strategies) that have the potential to be applied for neurotoxicity assessment have to be formally validated under standardised conditions that have been recognised by national and international validation bodies.

Planning for Emergencies: Access vs. Security

This article discusses emergency planning, focusing on site entrance modifications and site familiarity for emergency responders to enhance their response times. General considerations discussed include: conducting plant site tours for fire and law enforcement agencies to gain site familiarity; secured boxes containing critical maps, emergency contact phone numbers, access keys or magnetic cards, and Material Safety Data Sheets; direct radio communication or panic alarms worn and activated by operators; identifying risks and types of situations that could occur; and, training, reviewing, and practicing the emergency plan.

Where to Find Material Safety Data Sheets on the Internet

Where to Find Material Safety Data Sheets on the Internet

Concept of REACH and impact on evaluation of chemicals

Industrial chemicals have been in use for many decades and new products are regularly invented and introduced to the market. Also for decades, many different chemical laws have been introduced to regulate safe handling of chemicals in different use patterns. The patchwork of current regulation in the European Union is to be replaced by the new regulation on industrial chemical control, REACH. REACH stands for registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals. REACH entered force on June 1, 2007. REACH aims to overcome limitations in testing requirements of former regulation on industrial chemicals to enhance competitiveness and innovation with regard to manufacture safer substances and to promote the development of alternative testing methods. A main task of REACH is to address data gaps regarding the properties and uses of industrial chemicals. Producers, importers, and downstream users will have to compile and communicate standard information for all chemicals. Information sets to be prepared include safety data sheets (SDS), chemical safety reports (CSR), and chemical safety assessments (CSA). These are designed to guarantee adequate handling in the production chain, in transport and in use and to prevent the substances from being released to and distributed within the environment. Another important aim is to identify the most harmful chemicals and to set incentives to substitute them with safer alternatives. On one hand, REACH will have substantial impact on the basic understanding of the evaluation of chemicals. However, the toxicological sciences can also substantially influence the workability of REACH that supports the transformation of data to the information required to understand and manage acceptable and non acceptable risks in the use of industrial chemicals. The REACH regulation has been laid down in the main document and 17 Annexes of more than 849 pages. Even bigger technical guidance documents will follow and will inform about the rules for application and work out of dossiers. The following article gives a comprehensive overview on the concept of REACH to give deeper insight into this document. Members of the scientific community will have to define their own position as researchers, teachers, and experts to support the efforts to protect human health and the environment. The concept of REACH as well as new approaches to adapt standard testing regimes to foster a risk oriented approach in required work load to decrease animal based tests and to strengthen weight of evidence are explained in detail in this article.

Environmental exposure scenarios: development, challenges and possible solutions

Under the new REACH system, companies importing, producing and marketing chemical substances will be obliged to register the single substances and to carry out a safety assessment for all identified uses during the life cycle of the substance. This duty will apply to about 10,000 existing substances in the EU market exceeding an annual production or import volume of 10 t per company. If the substance is already known to be dangerous or turns out to be dangerous(1) during the hazard assessment, the registrant is obliged to carry out an exposure assessment and a risk characterisation for all identified uses. The goal of the safety assessment is to define the conditions of use that allow for adequate control of risk with regard to health and safety at the work place, consumer safety and protection of the environment. Once the registrant has established and documented these conditions in the Chemicals Safety Report (CSR), that information is to be communicated down the supply chain by means of the Extended Safety Data Sheet (eSDS). The ultimate aim of the new legislation is to establish duties and mechanisms that systematically prevent or limit exposure to dangerous industrial chemicals. The current paper explains this concept with regard to environmental exposure and highlights the challenges and possible solutions.

Flash points of n-decanol

In order to know accuracy of data in material safety data sheet (MSDS), the flash point of n-decanol was measured by using a Tag-closed tester, a Seta-flash-closed tester, a Pensky–Martens-closed tester and a Cleveland-open tester at the National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster (NRIFD) in Japan and the Korea Fire Equipment Inspection Corporation (KOFEIC) in Korea. The flash points measured were compared to data of the references. The flash points determined at NRIFD were similar to those of KOFEIC. However, the flash points 112 and 115 °C of n-decanol, measured at the NRIFD and 117 and 120 °C at the KOFEIC, respectively, were much different from those in MSDS and literatures. Therefore, manufacturers should be more careful when they make MSDS.

Are material safety data sheets (MSDS) useful in the diagnosis and management of occupational contact dermatitis?

This study assesses both the success of medical practitioners in accessing hazardous substances' information from product manufacturers and the accuracy and clinical usefulness of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) presented by workers with suspected occupational contact dermatitis (OCD). 100 consecutively presented MSDS were collected from 42 workers attending an occupational dermatology clinic. Product manufacturers were contacted to verify ingredients. MSDS were evaluated for compliance with the Australian criteria for listing of OCD relevant information (sensitizers present at a concentration > or =1%, irritants present at a concentration > or =20%), and for clinical usefulness. All sensitizers were checked for clinical relevance to the worker's dermatitis. Manufacturers supplied product constituents for 77/100 MSDS. 58 MSDS satisfied the Australian standard. 57/58 MSDS were deemed clinically useful. Irritants were listed for 19/23 MSDS and sensitizers were listed for 30/68 MSDS (P = 0.001). 3 MSDS contained sensitizers, which were clinically relevant to the presenting worker's dermatitis, 1 appropriately listed, 1 present at > or =1% but not listed, and 1 present at <1% in the product and therefore, not required to be listed. Sensitizers are frequently omitted from MSDS and clinicians are often unsuccessful in obtaining crucial information from manufacturers. MSDS are inadequate for the protection and diagnosis of workers with suspected OCD.

Effects of acetone on methyl ethyl ketone peroxide runaway reaction

Runaway reactions by methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO) are an important issue in Asia, due to its unstable structure and extensive heat release during upset situations. This study employed differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to draw the experimental data for MEKPO 31 mass% and with acetone 99 mass% on three types of heating rate of 2, 4, and 10 °C/min; the kinetic and safety parameters were then evaluated via curve fitting. Through the reproducible tests in each condition, the results show that acetone is not a contaminant, because it could increase the activation energy ( E a) and onset temperature ( T o) when combined with MEKPO, which differs from the hazard information of the material safety data sheet (MSDS).

Use the environmental knowledge and assessment tool to assist with environmental management

AbstractDesigned and built by the National Environmental Evaluation and Remediation Consortium, the Environmental Knowledge and Assessment Tool (EKAT™) at www.ekat‐tool.com is a web‐based project management and decision‐support tool to identify, research, and evaluate environmental and pollution prevention options, and safety‐related issues for materials used in products and systems.The original concept of EKAT was to help Marine Corps Systems Command integrate environmental requirements into systems acquisition programs. The tool can also benefit federal and state agencies, communities, and businesses.EKAT contains information on technical and regulatory requirements and serves as a resource center with links to references, tools, and databases to assist in research efforts and minimize unintentional safety and environmental effects associated with product development or use. Features include project management and organizational capability, collaboration within project teams or the EKAT community, and communication through threaded discussions.EKAT serves as a preliminary environmental screening tool for regulatory requirements and issues of concern. The user may enter or download lists of chemicals that she or he may have obtained from material safety data sheets for products typically used in activities and operations; these chemicals can then be screened against 14 lists of federally regulated chemicals. Some of the federal lists for which the user's entered chemicals are screened against include the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right‐to‐Know Act, various lists of carcinogenic substances, and more. Users may also get help estimating emissions from equipment and manufacturing processes, or review information resource documents and research guides, which provide additional environmental information and resources in a user‐friendly format.All regulatory information, for environmental, health, and safety issues found within EKAT, is based on United States federal laws and regulations, to which links can be found throughout. Links to sources of additional information, other than U.S. governmental web sites or resources, may also be found in EKAT. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2007

Application of a mental models approach to MSDS design

In the U.S.A., Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Mental model theories of cognitive processing predict that information format inconsistencies can undermine usability and thereby worker safety and compliance. The present study explored whether information presentation priorities are dependent upon the population tested. Ninety participants were sampled from three populations (undergraduates, community volunteers, and firefighters). Participants sorted cards containing chunks of information comprised of MSDS headings and text. Mean rank analyses showed that health-related information was given higher priority than other information, such as reactivity or chemical make-up. While there were similarities for the different subgroups, the firefighters differed from the other two groups in several respects. Results were consistent with previous research on schema differences between groups based upon experience and expectations. Implications for MSDS design and application of usability and mental model approaches to improve safety communications are discussed.