1. www.jst.umn.edu Limiting Chemical Exposure Sign and Symptoms Reducing Exposure

2. www.jst.umn.edu Chemical Exposure Factors – Toxicity extent to which a substance is poisonous – Dosage amount of chemical exposure – Duration amount of time exposed to chemical (acute vs. chronic) Fox, Stephen; Wilson, James. “Signs and symptoms of chemical exposure” Presentation. http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=241098&an=1 Exposure Sites Ingestion Inhalation Topical/ Absorption (skin and eyes) Injection

3. www.jst.umn.edu Chemical Exposure: Signs and Symptoms 3 Fox, Stephen; Wilson, James. “Signs and symptoms of chemical exposure” Presentation. http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=241098&an=1 Irritation and itching Skin Burning rashes, hives, redness Irritation and inflammation, Cough Respiratory Burning, sore, congested, painful sinuses/throat, lungs Pain, difficulty with normal tasks CNS Headache/ migraine, dizziness, lightheaded, difficulty concentrating, weakness, impaired balance, numbness Burning, irritated Eyes Red eyes, dilated pupils Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain GI Irritation/burning in stomach or esophagus

4. www.jst.umn.edu Reducing Chemical Exposure Strategies to Limit Exposure: Substitute a less hazardous chemical when possible PPE (gloves, eye protection, lab coats) Work in fume hoods or glovebox Don’t eat, drink, or chew gum in the lab – Don’t store food or beverage containers near chemicals Be careful when handling needles Don’t wear gloves/lab coats outside of the lab Wash lab clothing separately from personal clothing “All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison.” ―Paracelsus, Roman physician and “the father of toxicology” 4 Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards (2011), Section 2.C.3 and 6.C.2 Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology (BCST)BCST http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=12654&page=18

5. www.jst.umn.edu Extra Clothing Keep a spare change of clothes in office …just in case you need them. At a minimum: T-shirt, jeans, socks. Why? You will be more likely remove contaminated clothing and not wear hazardous waste. If you have a major spill that requires a shower, you can go home in your own clothes. Fox, Stephen; Wilson, James. “Signs and symptoms of chemical exposure” Presentation. http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=241098&an=1