Save the Date! | Preparing for Global Harmonizaion | November 28, 2012 | Seattle, WA

Mark your calendars!  The Northwest Center will be presenting: Preparing for Global Harmonization: Classifying and Labeling Chemicals on November 28th, 2012.

 You can view course flier here. 


COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this symposium participants should be able to:
  - Describe the current state of the United Nations GHS and define standards for classification and labeling of chemicals in the United States.
  - Discuss the need to incorporate; explain the logical and comprehensive approach to hazard classification and communication provisions.
  - List labeling elements commonly used and understand the definitions and principles of chemical identity, symbols, and R/S (Risk and Safety).

INTENDED AUDIENCE 
This conference is targeted towards workers (including transport workers), emergency responders, consumers and industry professionals interested in learning about the GHS activities and its efforts for convergence of regulatory requirements and practices.

FACULTY
John M. Malool, MS, has many years of hazardous waste site health and safety experience with the federal government, and currently serves as Chief of Operations of a Hazmat Unit for a regionalized county fire department in New Jersey. John is a popular teacher in numerous hazardous waste training courses, including refresher and transportation courses, at the Centers for Education and Training of the NIOSH-funded New York-New Jersey Education and Research Center.The Global Harmonization System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals is a system proposed by the United Nations to standardize the labeling of chemicals around the world. The GHS has been in development for many years and some countries and sectors (consumer, environmental, workplace, transportation) have already started the implementation process.

Location
Roosevelt Building
University of Washington
4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98105

Visit our Continuing Education site for registration details.

Worker Health in the Nail Salon Industry

The popularity of manis and pedis are on the rise. But as the demand for salon services grows, little attention is being paid to the health of the salon workers. The chemicals the workers com in contact with on a daily basis have limited federal regulation little guidance is provided by the company on how to handle the products.

Three chemicals of concern that have been dubbed the “toxic trio” are toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). "Toluene creates a smooth finish across the nail and keeps the pigment from separating in the bottle, and is a common volatile solvent that can impact the central nervous system, cause irritation of the eyes, throat and lungs, and is also a possible reproductive toxin. Formaldehyde, a nail-hardening agent, is also a volatile chemical that evaporates into the air of salons and is known to cause cancer. Exposure to DBP, added to polishes to provide flexibility and a moisturizing sheen, can affect thyroid function has been linked to reproductive problems".

The good news is that nail salon workers and owners and scientists are coming together to reduce the occupational exposure of these chemicals. Even some large manufacturers have begun to reformulate their products without the use of the toxic trio.


For more information visit The National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance.