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MSDS and ToxNet

There are several types of cleaning products at my workplace, but I opted to research Clorox Scentiva in Lavender. According to the 2015 revision of the safety data sheet (SDS), this product listed as “Clorox Purple” has no known significant health effects or critical hazards with eye contact, skin contact, or ingestion. However, inhalation may cause a health hazard and serious effects may be delayed after exposure. The SDS also noted that this product is non-carcinogenic. Additionally, the SDS recommends that individuals wear personal protective equipment when handling this chemical. This chemical is found in products that are at my workplace, but I have not been provided any official training with chemical exposure or accidents. 

Furthermore, the SDS listed titanium dioxide as an ingredient which helped inform my ToxNet search. The database provided more comprehensive information on the chemical’s toxicity. It noted that there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity on humans, but sufficient evidence on animal research. The database also highlighted some chronic human exposure outcomes. Those who work in the manufacturing or packaging of this product may develop pneumoconiosis. Dust inhalation may lead to epithelioid granulomas. Other cases demonstrate negative effects on pulmonary health and the potential risk for cancer.

In comparing these resources, the SDS insufficiently provided information on product toxicity; it does inform consumers about how to appropriately protect themselves from exposure and provides some first aid measures. The SDS could be an adequate resource to learn about a chemical’s health risks and methods for protecting oneself as it is direct and simple to comprehend. However, it must be consistently updated to ensure that it provides accurate information on product toxicity, potential harm to human health, and to confirm that it meets regulatory standards. It will also be important to cover this during employee orientations and trainings. It will not serve its purpose if people are unaware of its existence or unable to understand content.

Comments

  1. JudyJudeNovember 2, 2018 at 4:55 PM

    Interesting that the SDS does not show how critically hazardous Clorox can be with eye and skin contact, or with ingestion. Moreover, recommendation of eye wear, gloves, and mask to protect from inhalation. Yes, it sounds as though SDS needs to be updated with accuracy to show potential harms.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Antonio SorianoNovember 10, 2018 at 5:53 PM

    Thank you for the information on titanium dioxide. It is unfortunate that there was inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity on humans. However, it is difficult to correlate animal research with human exposure. It's unfortunate that those working with titanium dioxide may develop chronic conditions. This is something that is often swept under the rug, and we can only hope that the workplace is handling these occupational hazards with prevention.

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