Lab Chemicals
Chemicals of concern: Toluene and xylene (used to fix tissue specimens and rinse stains), formaldehyde, mercury
Affected individuals: Healthcare workers, community members living in production, and disposal sites
Harmful effects:
- Eye and respiratory irritation, abdominal problems
- Toluene—neurodevelopmental toxicant
- Chronic exposure: laryngitis, bronchitis or bronchial pneumonia, conjunctivitis Formaldehyde is a carcinogen
Alternatives:
- Substitution with safer alternatives is preferable to process controls, and/or personal protective devices
- Less toxic alternatives to some lab chemicals are available