Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS) - What's New
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Chemical Watch List, 2012
In order to issue timely warnings about new workplace hazards, HESIS staff monitors developments on selected chemicals, commercial products, and classes of chemicals. These chemicals of concern are chosen for their potential to seriously harm California workers. HESIS staff gathers several types of data, including product ingredients, toxicity testing, and medical case reports. We also share information with other government agencies. Where there is sufficient scientific evidence of potential health hazards, HESIS may issue Hazard Alerts, Fact Sheets, or Medical Guidelines; this is done in consultation with Cal/OSHA.
HESIS Chemical Watch List 2012 (PDF)
For more information on our work in this area, see Early Warning about Workplace Hazards
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Methylene chloride is dangerous: There are safer alternatives!
Methylene chloride is a solvent widely used in paint strippers, in the production of polymer foams and as a degreaser. It can be fatal when used in poorly ventilated spaces, is a carcinogen and is unique among solvents due to its conversion to carbon monoxide in the human liver. Given the difficulty in controlling exposure to methylene chloride, HESIS produced a factsheet in 2006 with safer alternatives for key industries. This new Hazard Alert was developed after HESIS learned of 13 fatalities among bathtub refinishers nationwide and the deaths of two California workers due to methylene chloride overexposure.
Methylene chloride is dangerous: There are safer alternatives! (PDF)
– Hazard Alert
Methylene chloride factsheet (PDF) – 2006 factsheet
For more information on OHB work in this area, see Early Warnng about Workplace Hazards __________________________________________________________________________________
Chromium-6 in the Workplace – Revised factsheet
Chromium-6 is a very toxic form of the element chromium that has been known to cause lung cancer for many years. Industries with a high risk of exposure to Chromium-6 include electroplating, welding (particularly of stainless steel), spray painting and concrete work. In 1992, HESIS published the Health Hazard Alert, “Chromium-6 Causes Lung Cancer,” to address this important issue. Since that time, Federal OHSA (and subsequently Cal/OSHA) lowered the airborne limit of Chromium-6 (Permissible Exposure Limit or PEL) from 50 to 5 micrograms per cubic meter -- a 10-fold reduction -- in an effort to reduce the risk of lung cancer in workers. This revised factsheet reviews the potential harmful effects of Chromium-6, offers alternatives for specific industries and highlights newer exposure control methods, including portable exhaust hoods and welding helmets combined with powered air-purifying respirators.
Chromium-6 in the Workplace factsheet (PDF)
For more information on our work in this area, see Providing Practical Information on Chemical Hazards
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