Blog 22

1. My clinic regularly uses cavicide wipes which I was interested in learning more about from the MSDS information. The MSDS for cavicide was 6 pages and not very user-friendly. It was filled with jargon that was difficult to understand as a healthcare provider. The MSDS also had no mention until page 3 that people utilizing it should use gloves and be in well ventilated areas, which are very important points. It might be better if at the top of each MSDS page, it lists a couple of easy to read, take-home points, such as 'wear gloves when touching'.

2.  I read about wildfires on OSHA and the WHO's websites. One particular aspect of wildfire health that I was interested in was post-fire health. OSHA and the WHO discussed the danger of inhaling ash, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning post wildfire. It's also important to be aware of possible spills of hazardous material after fires.  Especially living in California nowadays, wildfires are a huge risk and concern, and it's important to be aware of the risks even after the fire is out.

Environmental news:
I read about a series of days in New Delhi where the air quality has been over 9 times the acceptable level of particulate matter that is safe to breathe. Schools were closed for 2 days due to the poor air quality, and yet there was a run (in honor of the first prime minister of India) which thousands of mostly under-privileged kids took part in. It sparked outrage around the world that the run was not cancelled even though the air quality was so unsafe, and brings up important points about how the world needs to make serious changes to decrease pollution levels.

Comments

  1. WiniKaksNovember 24, 2019 at 9:13 AM

    Hi Kathleen,
    I agree it is essential to understand the health risk post-fire. There was an article that mentioned paper dust masks or surgical masks do not protect your lungs from the fine particles in wildfire smoke. The best mask to use is N-95 or P-100 respirators.

    ReplyDelete

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