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Material safety data sheet: a useful resource for the emergency physician
M I Greenberg1, D C Cone, J R Roberts
1Division of Occupational, Environmental, and Hyperbaric Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129, USA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Emergency physicians face risks from hazardous chemical exposures. This review examines Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for diagnosing and treating industrial chemical incidents, including mass casualty events.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Industrial chemicals pose significant toxic exposure risks to workers in the United States.
- Emergency physicians frequently manage acute exposures, including potential mass casualty incidents.
- Accessible information on chemical hazards is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for emergency physicians.
- To highlight clinically relevant information within MSDS for chemical exposures.
- To identify the limitations of MSDS in emergency settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) content.
- Analysis of MSDS information for clinical applicability in emergency medicine.
- Evaluation of MSDS drawbacks and limitations.
Main Results:
- MSDS provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating chemical exposures.
- Specific data within MSDS can guide emergency treatment protocols.
- MSDS have significant limitations and drawbacks for emergency physicians.
Conclusions:
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are a critical resource for emergency physicians managing chemical exposures.
- Understanding MSDS content and limitations is essential for optimal patient care during industrial chemical incidents.
- Further improvements or alternative resources may be needed to fully support emergency physicians in chemical hazard situations.