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Reducing Chemical Hazards in Workplaces: Best Industrial Practices in China and the US

According to statistics reported at the 2nd China-US Occupational Health Symposia, which was jointly held by China’s National Center for International Cooperation in Work Safety (NCICS) under SAWS and American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) on Jul 12 and 13 in Guangzhou, the average incidence of occupational diseases of recent years is approximately 30,000 cases per annum. In 2014, nearly 90% of the cases were pneumoconiosis, 2.65% occupational chronic intoxication, 1.62% occupational acute intoxication, and the rest were other diseases.

While pneumoconiosis is the most prevalent occupational disease in China, cancer is the leading cause of death among the working demographic. “We should attach more importance to occupational diseases caused by exposure to chemical carcinogens.” Professor Zhaolin Xia from Fudan University said, “As the risk factors and pathogenesis are comparatively well learnt, occupational cancer can be prevented and controlled by enhancing chemical management at workplaces, improving physical check and medical care system, strengthening occupational health education and establishing prediction and monitoring of the carcinogenicity of chemical substances.”

Echoing Prof. Xia’s view point, Mr. Joe Dakin from Sumerra thinks it is of vital importance to know workers level of exposure to chemical substances in workplaces to decide the necessary controlling and preventative measures. In his presentation “Difficulty in Evaluating Chemical Exposure Hazards Due to Poor Chemical Information”, he advised chemical-related industries to fully implement hazard communication requirements, hire qualified occupational hygienists who understand exposure assessment, provide sufficient resources (e.g. labs, training, etc.) and collaborate with occupational hygiene communities to stay abreast of frontier research findings and cutting-edge technologies.

Many other delegates introduced their own chemical management experience. Lida Tan illustrated chemical management strategy in Apple’s supply chain by case studies. Typically, they minimize the exposure of hazardous chemicals in workplaces by optimizing relevant processes and techniques and using adhesives that contain less toluene. Methanol Institute’s Dom LaVigne gave a detailed introduction on safe handling of methanol in the event of spill or ingestion. And expounded his belief that it is possible through good product stewardship practices that most accidents can be prevented.

    

In addition to chemical hazards in workplaces, heated discussions were raised during the 2nd China-US Occupational Health Symposia concerning noise control, dust control, industrial ventilation, nanomaterial management, occupational injuries, etc. For further information about the conferences and exhibitions, please refer to International Safety Science and Technology Network.

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