Recognition Of Hazards Laboratory Exercise 5: Toxicology ✓ Solved

Recognition of Hazards Laboratory Exercise 5: Toxicology Resources

This assignment requires students to explore and utilize various web resources related to toxicology, including the retrieval of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), understanding toxicology information in layman's terms, and investigating chemical hazards and carcinogens through reputable databases. Students are expected to perform tasks such as finding SDS for specific chemicals, analyzing chemical information, and evaluating non-technical toxicology resources, ultimately producing a report that reflects on how these resources enhance their understanding and future application in occupational or public health contexts.

Specific activities include searching for SDS for chemicals like acetone and peel-away paint stripper, understanding OSHA's requirements and resource options, and exploring more accessible, non-technical sites for toxicology information such as ATSDR, Environmental Defense, and NIOSH. Additionally, students will investigate technical toxicological sites like the NTP’s Report on Carcinogens, IARC, and EPA's IRIS, focusing on carcinogenicity, hazards, and chemical classification. The final report should synthesize these findings, demonstrating the practical value of these resources for future academic or professional uses in industrial hygiene or public health fields.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Utilizing web-based toxicology resources is integral for professionals working in industrial hygiene, environmental health, and public safety. These sources provide crucial information for hazard recognition, risk assessment, and safe handling practices related to chemicals, substances, and environmental hazards. As I engaged with these resources, I gained a comprehensive understanding of how accessible, detailed, and non-technical toxicology data are for both technical specialists and laypersons, which is instrumental in fostering safer workplaces and communities.

One of the key activities involved searching for the SDS for Fisher reagent-grade acetone (99.5%). I utilized a prominent search engine to locate the SDS, which I found on the Fisher Scientific website. The document I accessed was created on June 15, 2023, with the latest revision being version 4, issued on July 1, 2023. The CAS number for acetone is 67-64-1, which I verified through a designated CAS registry site. Understanding the CAS number's algorithm, I learned that it includes a checksum digit that confirms its validity. This exercise reinforced the importance of accurate chemical identification and safe material handling in workplace environments.

Further, I explored OSHA's legal requirements for SDS providers according to 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(6)(iii), which mandates that SDSs must be accessible at the point of use if they are not included upon shipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration emphasizes that employers must ensure that SDSs are readily available for hazardous chemicals stored or used in the workplace. This knowledge emphasizes the significance of compliance with safety regulations and the role of reliable SDS sources in risk management.

On the ILPI website, I discovered that they list numerous free SDS resources—specifically, approximately ten websites that offer free access to safety data sheets. When a manufacturer is not listed on these sites, using internet search engines such as Google or Bing to locate the SDS becomes essential. I searched for "Dumond Chemicals Peel Away 1" and found the SDS on the manufacturer's site. The hazardous ingredients listed include methylene chloride and dimethyl acetate. The SDS details these chemicals' hazards, handling procedures, and emergency measures. This activity highlighted the utility of manufacturer-specific SDSs and the importance of verifying chemical information for safe handling.

Moving toward non-technical sources, I visited the ATSDR ToxFAQs page for tetrachloroethylene, which is commonly used as a dry-cleaning solvent. The page states this chemical is used predominantly in industrial dry cleaning and degreasing applications. It also covers health effects, exposure routes, and protective measures, which are easier for workers and the public to understand compared to technical databases. Additionally, I examined the Environmental Defense Scorecard on perchloroethylene, which provides hazard ranking and human health effects scores. The Scorecard highlights that prolonged exposure may cause neurological damage and increases cancer risk, which are communicated in accessible language, facilitating better risk perception among the general public.

In terms of workplace controls, the New Jersey "Right to Know" webpage recommends implementing engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation and ensuring proper personal protective equipment (PPE). The International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) recommend preventing ingestion by avoiding mouth contact, not eating or drinking in chemical areas, and practicing good hygiene. NIOSH’s Pocket Guide points out that sodium hydroxide targets the eyes and skin, emphasizing the importance of PPE and proper storage. These non-technical resources serve as crucial educational tools that translate complex toxicological data into practical safety recommendations for workers and supervisors.

Technical toxicology sites, such as the NTP’s Report on Carcinogens, provide in-depth evaluations of chemicals like ionizing radiation. The report indicates that uranium and phosphate mining workers may be exposed to radioactive isotopes, with radon inhalation linked to lung cancer. The source estimates approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually from radon exposure in homes alone. The IARC classifies refractory ceramic fibers as possibly carcinogenic, highlighting the need for protective measures in manufacturing environments. EPA’s IRIS cites airborne asbestos concentration levels associated with a one-in-a-million risk of lung cancer or mesothelioma, reinforcing the importance of exposure limits and regulatory standards.

Additional information from the NLM’s HSDB reveals that acetone has an atmospheric half-life of 12 days, indicating how long it persists in the environment. The TOXLINE database contains over 11,000 entries related to acetone, underscoring the vast scope of toxicological research. ChemIDplus identifies water glass, or sodium silicate, as having multiple names and synonyms, which aids in cross-referencing chemical data across different databases. The NIOSH designation for tetrachloroethylene advises handling it as a potential carcinogen, emphasizing precautionary measures in occupational settings.

Public health and safety extend into diet-related carcinogen exposure. For instance, the HERP Cancer Ranking indicates that consuming 229 grams of beer has a certain percentage risk score related to carcinogenic potential due to alcohol content. Furthermore, dietary carcinogens such as those found in broccoli—namely, glucosinolates—are identified through searches like "Holiday Menu + broccoli." Understanding these various sources of chemical and dietary hazards enables health professionals to better educate the public and develop mitigation strategies that encompass occupational, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

In conclusion, the diverse web resources for toxicology and hazard information serve as invaluable tools for students, professionals, and the public. These resources bridge the gap between technical data and practical safety application, making toxicological information accessible and actionable. The ability to efficiently locate, interpret, and apply this information enhances safety protocols, informs regulatory compliance, and promotes healthier workplace and community environments. Continuous use and familiarity with these resources are essential for advancing occupational health practices and public health literacy.

References

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  • Holt, R. I., Cockram, C., Flyvbjerg, A., & Goldstein, B. J. (2017). Textbook of diabetes. John Wiley & Sons.
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  • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). (2023). ToxFAQs for Tetrachloroethylene. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=330&tid=59
  • Environmental Defense Fund. (2023). Scorecard: Perchloroethylene. https://scorecard.goodguide.com
  • National Library of Medicine. (2023). Hazardous Substances Data Bank. https://hazard.com
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). IRIS: Asbestos. https://www.epa.gov/iris

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