Investigating Hazards

Summary

This chapter is designed as a guide to sources of information on toxic substances used at work or found in the environment. With it—and a good reference library—you should be able to discover all that is known about the hazards of any toxic substance.

The Chapter is divided into nine parts:

• Part 1 tells you what to look for in your search (page 18)

• Part 2 helps you identify your substance in the scientific literature on hazards (page 20)

• Part 3 shows you what to do if you only know the trade name—but not the proper chemical name—of the substance you are investigating (page 22)

• Part 4 tells you which organisations may help you by supplying information (page 23)

• Part 5 guides you through the reference books on toxic hazards (page 26)

• Part 6 shows you how to bring your information up-to-date (page 37)

• Part 7 explains how to use air monitoring to decide how dangerous your work environment may be (page 41)

• Part 8 tells you where to find information on air pollution hazards (page 43)

• Part 9 tells you where to find information on water pollution hazards (page 50)