Dear ACS Div-CHAS members, We are planning to do an alternatives assessment study to substitute or reduce the use of H2E (AHA/EPA) high priority laboratory chemicals in Clinical Laboratories. We have a direct contact with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Therefore to focus in ASCP programs is convenient (main reason to study clinical labs). H2E (AHA/EPA) high priority laboratory chemicals list includes acetone, americlear, Arsenic, Carbon tetrachloride Chloroform, Chromic acid, Chromium trioxide, Di (ethylhexyl)phtalate (DEHP), Ethanol, Formaldehyde, Mercuric chloride, Mercuric nitrate, Mercuric oxide, Mercury ((o-carboxyphenyl)thio)ethyl sodium salt (Thimerosal), Methyl alcohol, Phenylmercuric acetate (PMA), Phenol, Potassium cyanide, Potassium ferrocyanide, Sodium azide, Sodium cyanide, 1,1, trichloroethane and xylene. I have had some interviews with clinical lab managers and Clinical Sciences Professors. One opinion is that if these chemicals are currently in use is because safer alternatives may not exist. I think that this is not necessarily true. My sense is that automation and the use of diagnostic test kits have reduced many exposures to toxic chemicals but it can be more opportunities for substitution. We also did a pilot survey and ask clinical laboratory managers about the use of H2E (AHA/EPA) high priority laboratory chemicals and associated tests. According to our experience from this pilot survey, we found that we need to do more specific questions if we want to get response from them. I mean, we need to ask close ended questions and give to the survey participants a list of tests or processes where these chemicals are used, so they only have to mark the response. The point is to find out where these H2E AHA/EPA high priority laboratory chemicals are currently in use in clinical labs and identify the associated test(s)or process(es). As I have been working on this idea I have not found good information to establish the most frequently tests or processes where these chemicals are used in Clinical Labs. Pathology lab would be an opportunity to study due to the use of high volume of solvents; however, some work has already been done with the main chemicals used there (i.e. Xylene and formaldehyde). Does anyone have any advice? Rossy Alvarez Doctoral candidate Work Environment Department UMASS-Lowell
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