Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:13:53 -0500
Reply-To: rphifer**At_Symbol_Here**wcenvironmental.com
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Russ Phifer <rphifer**At_Symbol_Here**WCENVIRONMENTAL.COM>
Organization: WC Environmental, LLC
Subject: Re: FW: Blog link FYI
In-Reply-To: <9F3B003643FC5F42930EFB83E276C8600128083B0AB6**At_Symbol_Here**HNXEXCH.hendrix.local>

There are two answers to where the toxicological information comes from.  Since anyone can prepare an MSDS, there are those who seek the most up-to-date and authoritative sources for toxicology information, and those who don’t.

 

That’s the primary problem with the MSDS system – there are no requirements for specific technical knowledge by the preparer, and no requirements to consult specific sources of information.  Two MSDSs for the same commercial product can (and may be) significantly different – I’ve seen numerous cases where one MSDS says a material is hazardous, and another that says it isn’t.  This is a particular problem if you are trying to decide how to ship a chemical that may or may not be DOT regulated.  An MSDS may not be based on good knowledge, and in fact, the distributor or manufacturer may see a monetary advantage in being able to ship a material as non-regulated.  I have seen this numerous times.

 

Literally, the only real requirement for an MSDS is it must be in English.  Even the recommended format is non-mandatory.

 

I agree with Alan Hall – seek out reputable sources for information when reviewing or preparing an MSDS!  (Or consult with Jay Young).

 

Russ Phifer

 

 

 

Russ Phifer

WC Environmental, LLC

1085C Andrew Drive

West Chester, PA  19380

610-696-9220x12/ fax 610-344-7519

rphifer**At_Symbol_Here**wcenvironmental.com

 

P Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this e-mail or any other document

 

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Bradley, Shelly
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2010 6:22 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] FW: Blog link FYI

Can anyone tell me where the toxicological information on an MSDS comes from?

Thanks

Shelly Bradley

Instrumentation Specialist

Laboratory Development Assistant

Academic Chemical Compliance Director

Chemistry Department

Hendrix College

1600 Washington Ave.

Conway, AR 72032

(501) 450-3812

Fax:  (501) 450-3829

bradley**At_Symbol_Here**hendrix.edu

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