Material safety data sheets: are they reliable in identifying human hazards?

The material safety data sheet (MSDS) is an integral part of a worker's evaluation for suspected occupational asthma and dermatitis. However, established US federal guidelines for creating an MSDS do not require that certain key information relevant to the diagnosis of these disorders be included. This rostrum is intended to highlight the limitations of MSDSs as they pertain to the diagnosis of occupational asthma and occupational dermatitis so that future consideration can be given to modification of the existing MSDS guidelines. This article summarizes the origins of MSDS documents, provides an overview of their format, and discusses some of their inherent limitations, which at times impede proper medical evaluation by physicians and other health care professionals. MSDSs are an essential part of making the workplace a safer environment. More complete disclosure about both irritation and sensitization risks in these documents would facilitate the evaluation of workers for OA and OD. Their current ambiguity often delays the diagnosis of these occupational diseases and places the worker at further risk for development of occupational-related long-term disorders. Health care professionals have an obligation to better educate themselves regarding the interpretation of MSDSs and to recognize that they sometimes provide incomplete data.