Substitution of dangerous chemicals--the solution to problems with chemical health hazards in the work environment?
For many years efforts have been made toward the substitution of less toxic chemicals for particularly toxic ones. Substitutions have been made mainly on the basis of the toxic effect of the virgin compound on humans and the environment, a rationale that may be open to question. This study evaluated a number of substitutions made in recent years. To identify effects on the work and external environments, the chemical products were studied in use within a production system. The main observation was that substitution is a very complex process that might have drawbacks as well as beneficial effects, since new problems may arise through the use of new chemicals. In some cases, knowledge about the extent of these new problems is inadequate, since the substitutions are sometimes not well documented. Substitution may result in reduced use or discontinuance of the original toxic substance and may affect the external as well as the workplace environment.
Antonsson
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AB
Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Stockholm.
D002617:Chemical Industry; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health