M10.2 MSDS and ToxNet

Chemicals at Work

I chose to research Sani-Cloths because I have high exposure to the chemicals in these wipes and I see many health care staff using the wipes without PPE.  

MSDS

1. What are the health risks associated with this chemical?

According to the MSDS, the HMIS/NFPA rated this chemical product as a level 3, which indicates serious health risk. Potential health risks include irreversible eye damage, harmful effects if absorbed through skin, and moderate irritation with skin contact (drying, cracking, redness, defatting, dermatitis, and edema). 

2. Is the chemical a carcinogen?

Isopropanol is not classified as a human carcinogen. 

3. What personal protective equipment or special precautions should be taken when working with this chemical?

The MSDS instructs users to "wear gear as deemed necessary. Follow label directions." The label instructs users to "wear disposable protective gloves, protective gowns, masks, and eye coverings when handling HIV-1, HBV or HCV infected blood or body fluids." It does not indicate what PPE is needed when you are using a wipe to clean a surface that does not contain one of these microbes. 

4. If this is a chemical found in your workplace, what training/education were you given about any risks associated with this chemical? 

We were trained on proper usage and what microbes are killed by this product. I was instructed to use gloves as a student nurse when touching these wipes. However, I was not informed about the health side effects associated with this chemical. 

ToxNet

Isopropanol is extremely dangerous by ingestion and can be fatal at a dose of 250mL. Other side effects caused by ingestion/inhalation/skin absorption include persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hematemesis, generalized muscle tenderness, hypotension, CNS depression, areflexia, decreased respirations, coma, and oliguria. Prolonged skin contact can cause corrosion. 

Reflection

The MSDS does not accurately describe the severe side effects that isopropanol can have. It states that inhalation and ingestion are "not a normal route of exposure." Therefore, it does not elaborate any further on ant associated signs or symptoms. Additionally, it simply states that the chemical can "be harmful if absorbed through skin." However, it does not further explain the side effects associated with this route of exposure. Lastly, it does not clearly identify what PPE is needed when handling the wipes. It assumes the reader is already familiar with the product because it instructs the user to "wear gear as deemed necessary." 

The MSDS was not clearly written for several reasons. First, there was medical/industry jargon used throughout. For example, a lay person most likely would not know what edema or defatting means. As mentioned previously, it also assumes the reader has prior knowledge about proper procedure and protective gear. The MSDS could be revised to make it more user-friendly, especially for non-medical personnel. 

References

http://www.unimedcorp.com/MSDS/sds_Sani-ClothAF3.pdf
https://www.toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~E6Q29F:3