M10.2 Blog about MSDS and ToxNet

Obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from your workplace or from the workplace of a family member or friend.   Material Safety Data Sheets are chemical information sheets created by chemical manufacturers that all employers are required to obtain and keep for any potentially hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
Look up the chemical using the ToxNet databases you mastered while viewing the enviRN-EVIDENCE program. Were there any discrepancies regarding the potential health effects noted in the MSDS?
In your BLOG, write about your findings - about the potential dangers associated with the chemical/product you looked up. Was the MSDS an adequate tool for a worker to use to gain an understanding of the potential health risks and how to protect him/herself?

My friend works for Texas Gateway and I looked at the MSDS for their organization. You can find it here. 
Review the MSDS and answer the following questions:
  • What are the health risks associated with this chemical? The main concern associated with isopropyl alcohol is absorption through the skin or through ingestion. While the smell is quite strong there is no large risk associated with inhalation.
  • Is the chemical a carcinogen? No, the chemical is not a carcinogen.
  • What personal protective equipment or special precautions should be taken when working with this chemical? An individual can use gloves and goggles, but neither are required. 
  • If this is a chemical found in your workplace, what training/education were you given about any risks associated with this chemical? The chemical is described as rubbing alcohol and is found in most if not all first aid kits. The training instructs users to keep the substance away from the mouths and eyes and to avoid ingestion. It is suggested to use gloves when handling the substance as well. 


Comments

  1. Chris DeatrasNovember 4, 2018 at 6:30 PM

    To me it feels like this is one of those chemicals that do more good than harm. Of course, there is the common warning of keeping it away from the mouth and eyes. However, the fact that it is used in most disinfectants is a good indicator that it is safe for the skin. Using gloves and goggles are only suggested and not required when handling the chemical, which supports the generally safe characteristic of the chemical.

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  2. UnknownNovember 4, 2018 at 6:41 PM

    I think it's quite interesting that there is no inhalation risk associated with rubbing alcohol. I always thought there was because of the extremely strong smell. It seems weird that they don't tell people they should wear gloves because one of the risks is that is can be absorbed through the skin. I believe that when handling it, people should definitely wear gloves.

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