toxicology Unit VII: PowerPoint Presentation

BOS 4201, Toxicology 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit VII Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

6. Explain the uses and limitations of product labeling for public safety. 6.1 Identify the limitations of product labels. 6.2 Describe the purpose for product labeling.

Unit Lesson This unit covers the uses and limitations of product labeling for public safety. The requirements for common products, pesticides, and drugs are meant to give the end user some basic information on the products they are using and to help use those chemicals safely. Many end users do not read the safety precautions or ingredients because they might assume the product would not affect their health. Chapter 22: Uses and Limitations of Product Labeling Labeling of consumer products provides information to the end user on how to use the product safely. The federal government attempts to assure that information is accurate and will safeguard the public. Product labels have some limitations. Some labels may have small fonts and contain a large amount of information; therefore, they are not made to be easily read by the end user. Some labels may not include all the ingredients or may indicate that some of the ingredients are proprietary because the manufacturers do not want their product copied. The identification of hazardous household products is the responsibility of the federal hazardous substance act (FHSA). A federal law requires consumers to be warned about the hazards a product can have on human and animal health, as well as what affect it will have on the environment. A product is considered hazardous when it is flammable, explosive, corrosive, poisonous, or radioactive (Richards & Bourgeois, 2014, p. 401). The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is responsible for the labeling of pesticides. The labels include categories so that the end user knows the amounts that can be fatal. The Environmental Protection agency (EPA) regulates the sale of pesticides and their use. They have guidelines for the labeling which include statements for the use and prevention of ill effects on the users and the environment. Richards & Bourgeois (2014) state “examples of mandatory statements may include the following:

 Wear chemical-resistant gloves when applying this product.

 Do not apply in windy conditions.

Reading Assignment Chapter 22: Uses and Limitations of Product Labeling for Public Safety Click here to access the Chapter 22 PowerPoint presentation. Click here to access a PDF version of the presentation.

Suggested Reading See information below.

Learning Activities (Non-Graded) See information below.

UNIT VII STUDY GUIDE

Product Labeling

BOS 4201, Toxicology 2

 Keep away from open flames, sparks, and heat.

 Do not induce vomiting.

 Do not use indoors (p. 403). Advisory statements are also included for pesticides. These statements are important because they address how the product should be applied and what is needed for personal protective equipment (PPE). There are required items on a pesticide label which are important for finding additional information on the product, such as the ingredients, the material safety data sheets (MSDS) and any precautionary statements. Product labels include contact information so that a MSDS can be obtained for that product. A MSDS contains information on 16 different areas.

 Identification of substance

 Ingredients

 Hazard identification

 First aid measures

 Firefighting

 Accidental release

 Handling and storage

 Exposure controls

 Physical and chemical properties

 Reactivity

 Toxicological information

 Ecological information

 Disposal

 Transport

 Regulatory information

 Other information (Richards & Bourgeois, 2014, p. 404) A MSDS contains detailed information about the product and how to use it safely. It also includes any information for PPE, such as gloves or respirators. The MSDS will also contain information on the routes of exposure (i.e., if it can be absorbed through the skin or if inhalation is possible). First aid and appropriate storage information is also included. The MSDS includes a wealth of information that could not fit on a product label. For any product, such as a household cleaner or solvent, there is an MSDS sheet available for it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has requirements for labeling of over- the-counter and prescription drugs. Prescription drug inserts must include the following information:

 ingredient name,

 common uses,

 what to do before taking the drug,

 how to use it,

 cautions,

 possible side effects,

 overdose,

 additional information (Richards & Bourgeois, 2014, p. 410). The FDA also requires that new approved product labeling meet certain requirements. These requirements make it easier for the consumer to find information on a prescription label, provide contact information to report side effects, and provide information on indications and use (Richards & Bourgeois, 2014, p. 411).

BOS 4201, Toxicology 3

Food labeling also falls under the FDA. The FDA is responsible for foods sold in the United States and for ensuring that the products are safe and properly labeled. We have seen recent stories about E. coli and other food hazards; so, are you still feeling safe about the FDA inspection requirements? The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) requires food labels to include nutrient content claims and health claims. This information gives the consumer the nutritional information to make choices on what they want to consume. This unit covers the uses and limitations of product labeling for public safety. You are now aware of the labeling requirements and the limitations of labeling, as well as the difference between a product label and an MSDS sheet. Product labeling must inform the user of the hazards of exposure, any precautions that need to be taken, and the ingredients they are using.

Reference

Richards, I. S., & Bourgeois, M. M. (2014). Principles and practice of toxicology in public health (2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.

Suggested Reading Read this article on new FDA rulings for drug labeling. It can be found in the MyCSU Student Portal by accessing the Academic One File database within the CSU Online Library. If you have any questions, the librarians’ contact information can be found on the right side of the library page. Matthews, J.W., Koski, K. E., Hinkle, M. H., & Drori, J. L. (2014). New FDA rule on

drug labeling may mean increased exposure and an uncertain path for generic pharmaceutical manufacturers. Defense Counsel Journal, 81(3), 306.

Learning Activities (Non-Graded) Select a product such as chlorine bleach, or some other product you use quite often. Retrieve the MSDS for it. Compare and contrast the label on the chlorine bleach against the MSDS for chlorine bleach; or compare whatever product you selected against its MSDS. Discuss the differences and the similarities and decide if you think the product label contains sufficient information to protect the health of the consumer. Non-graded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit them. If you have questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information.