Printer Friendly
Email a Friend
Chemical Cocktails at Work Cause Concern
01 Nov 2003
In light of the European Commission's new registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals (REACH) proposal, which requires safety testing of tens of thousands of chemicals in household goods, Graham Stevens, managing director of Stevens Industrial Services Ltd, is concerned that despite warnings, products containing healththreatening chemicals continue to be used in the work place.
Industry's ignorance and failure to choose safer products will backfire in today's increasingly litigious society.
Dichloromethane is just one example of a dangerous chemical found in many products, including anti-spatter sprays for welding. Apart from being proven to cause damage to the blood, the nervous system and the liver, if used long-term, dichloromethane can also cause cancer in users.
Products free of dichloromethane and other dangerous chemicals are available and they are also competitively priced. These steps must be taken to achieve a healthier workforce and now there is no longer an excuse for industry to drag its feet.
www.stevens-sis.co.uk
