The state of the arts: Chemical safety — 1937 to 2017

Globally Harmonize System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Fifth revised edition, Annex 3, “Codification of hazard statements, codification and use of precautionary statements and examples of precautionary pictograms” and Annex 4, “Guidance on the preparation of safety data sheets (SDSs)”, United Nations, New York and Geneva, 2013. Annex 3 has hundreds of label statements, none of which are even close to “safe if used as directed” either in wording or in meaning. Annex 4 explains the reason in: A4.2.2.3 Language used in the SDS should be simple, clear and precise, avoiding jargon, acronyms and abbreviations. Vague and misleading expressions should not be used. Phrases such as “may be dangerous”, “no health effects”, “safe under most conditions of use”, or “harmless” are also not recommended. It may be that information on certain properties is of no significance or that it is technically impossible to provide; if so, the reasons for this must be clearly stated under each heading. If it is stated that a particular hazard does not exist, the safety data sheet should clearly differentiate between cases where no information is available to the classifier, and cases where negative test results are available. Lead Ingestion Associated with Ceramic Glaze — Alaska, 1992, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Centers for Disease Control, October 23, 1992 Vol. 41, No. 42 pp. 781–783 (Note many cases of poisoning were covered and a death in 1990 reported.) Press Release, ACMI, Inc., Boston, Institute Items, 39(4), December 1997, referred to a second death in a nursing home. Ashley Rose Witt, a minor, by and though her mother and natural guardian, Patty Moore and Ronald Witt vs Duncan Enterprises; American Art Clay, Co.; Mayco Colors, Inc.; C and R Products, Inc.; and Robert R. Umhoefer, Inc., in the Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Pinellas Co., Civil Division, No. 92-5392-CI-20). Settled for ∼$500,000. Sherrell McClendon wife of/and Richard A. Duggan, Jr., individually and as natural tutors of the minors, Richard A. Duggan, III, Jordan E. Duggan, & Michelle L. Duggan. vs Duncan Ceramics D/B/A/ Duncan, Mayco, D/B/A Mayco Colors, & Allstate Insurance Company USDC No. 94-2183 (US Dist. Crt., Eastern Dist. of Louisiana). Settled for ∼$865,000. (Note: the author was retained as an expert witness for the Plaintiff in both the Duggan & Witt lawsuits. Dr. Stopford from the Arts & Creative Materials Institute was the certifying toxicologist for the product and an expert for the Defense). First told to me by Linnea Smith, RN, the occupational health nurse at the Art Institute of Chicago before publication. It was also reported in the school’s newspaper in 1977 and quoted 30 years later in the Chronicle of Higher Education (11/8/07) & The Boston Globe (11/ 6/07).