Estimated use of industrial chemicals in Connecticut.
BACKGROUND
Chemical exposures in the workplace are poorly documented and researched, yet appear to be widespread and with significant potential for impacting worker health. There are few reporting requirements for chemical usage on a national level.


METHODS
Chemical usage reports and employment data from Massachusetts were categorized by manufacturing subsector. Connecticut employment was compared to Massachusetts data, with the employment fraction used to estimate chemical usage in Connecticut.


RESULTS
The chemical manufacturing sector was estimated to use 620 million pounds of chemicals annually in Connecticut, and all other manufacturing sectors combined used an estimated 50 million pounds, with approximately half listed as carcinogens or reproductive hazards. Potential health effects are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Widespread chemicaluse underscores the need for the development and use of safer alternatives, as well as additional documentation of potential health effects. Physicians should be aware of potential chemical exposures for patients and provide preventive advice.
Chemical Innovations Institute, Occupational and Environmental Health Center, MC 6210, UConn Health Center, Farmington, USA. tmorse@uchc.edu
Tim
T
Morse
Jesse
J
Wagner
Nancy
N
Simcox
D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity; D003237:Connecticut; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008404:Massachusetts; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D017132:Workplace
D002273:Carcinogens; D015386:Hazardous Substances