MASSACHUSETTS NURSE NEWSLETTER :: April 2008

MNA Position Statement: Exposure to environmental cleaning chemicals in healthcare settings

For many years the MNA Congress on Health and Safety and the Division of Health and Safety have addressed the concerns of hazards associated with many environmental cleaning agents used in healthcare settings. Exposure to these products may result in adverse health affects ranging from dermatitis, eye, nose and throat irritation, minor sensitization reactions such as itching, tearing, sneezing and coughing to serious skin and eye damage, asthmatic reactions and anaphylaxis; headaches, nausea and dizzinesss may also occur. Patients and visitors alike are at risk, as are staff members. Safer products exist and are currently in use in many facilities, resulting in better air quality for everyone.

This position statement describes toxicity issues, the planning process for changing to safer products and identifies useful resources. Nurses and others who are affected by asthma as a result of exposure to environmental cleaning chemicals used in their workplace should report this matter to their managers, supervisors, occupational health department and safety officers in their hospitals as well as to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Surveillance Program (OHSP). A confidential reporting form for the Massachusetts DPH can be obtained by calling OHSP at 617-624-5632.

Please visit Position Statement Exposure to Environmental Cleaning Chemicals in Healthcare Settings to read the position statement.