Chemical risk and safety awareness, perception, and practices among research laboratories workers in Italy

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to chemical compounds occurs in numerous occupational settings, among which the research and healthcare laboratories have not been adequately investigated. These settings are characterized by an extreme variability of the used compounds and by the frequent turnover of young researchers. The main objectives of the study were to explore the occupational exposure to hazardous chemical substances among research laboratory workers; to assess their awareness and perceptions regarding chemical hazards; to investigate adherence to guidelines on safe handling of chemical compounds; and to analyze the effects of several factors on these outcomes of interest. Methods: The survey was conducted among research laboratories workers who were exposed to chemical substances during their activity. Subjects completed a questionnaire exploring knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to chemical hazards involved in research activities. Results: Enrolled subjects were 237, for an 81.7% response rate. More than 90 hazardous chemical substances were used in the surveyed laboratories. A correct knowledge on hazardous chemicals was significantly more likely in younger researchers, in those manipulating a higher number of hazardous chemicals, and in those with a higher number of years of training in the attended laboratory; 54.4% of the workers said they felt very exposed to chemical risk. Correct practices in the laboratories were significantly more likely in researchers who perceived to have a low exposure to chemicals, but a high exposure to biological risk, who agreed with the statement that colleagues handle chemicals following safety procedures and who perceived to have received an adequate training in the management of accidents and first aid. Conclusions: Our results showed significant gaps in knowledge and scarce preparedness in the adherence to safety processes to prevent and contain risks related to use of chemical compounds in research laboratories.

Chemical Exposure: European Citizens’ Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results

“…Different components (deliberative, affective, or experiential [20]), and many factors are involved in the formation of risk perceptions, including literacy and numeracy levels [21], dispositional situations [22], personal experiences, information availability and presentation [23], and physical and psychological well-being of the exposed individual [24]. Health risk perception of chemical exposure has been assessed in numerous settings and targeted populations (e.g., drinking water quality [25], chemical household products [24,26], food additives and contaminants [27], research laboratory workers [28], or recreational beach use by children [29]), as a starting point, to build-up effective risk communication strategies and public health interventions, which ultimately may lead to risk perception and health behaviour changes [20].…”

Determination of Laboratory Employees Perception On Occupational Risk Factors

“…A study conducted on chemical exposure in a research laboratory in Italy yielded a response that 54.4% felt very exposed to chemical risk [13]. Our results revealed a relatively low ratio of perceived chemical risk (17.4%).…”

Nurses’ knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors regarding antineoplastic drugs: the mediating role of protective knowledge†

“…Protective training is also recommended to improve health care nurses' perceptions of the risks associated with ADs. Papadopoli et al 1 reported that a higher perception of risk is related to a greater likelihood of behaving safely; therefore, investigation of perceptions of risk is very useful for predicting behavior.…”

“…Recent studies have shown an increase in the potential risks due to occupational exposure to ADs. 1,2 Nurses are the main group exposed to these drugs in hospitals. They are typically exposed while administrating ADs.…”