NIOSH Publishes New Skin-Hazard Profiles for Five Chemicals
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published five new skin notation profiles to "communicate the hazards of chemical exposure to the skin" and protect workers from chemical contact. The new profiles address atrazine, catechol, chlorinated camphere, pentachlorophenol, and sodium fluoroacetate. Each contains general information about the chemical, its potential effects on the skin and overall health, and the rationale for including the chemical among its skin notation profiles. According to NIOSH Director John Howard, skin is the primary barrier against external environments, so it "is often exposed to potentially hazardous agents, including chemicals, which may contribute to the onset of a spectrum of adverse health effects ranging from localized damage to induction of immune-mediated responses or system toxicity."