There's no question industry needs help protecting workers' skin. OSHA doesn't know how many people are exposed to skin permeating chemicals at work. A source there says at least six scientists will be hired to assist the meager staff of three now dedicated to dermal research. If manufacturers don't volunteer the data, EPA can, under the Toxic Substances Control Act, demand it. Just getting workers to comprehend dermal absorption can be difficult.
Most people recognize the dangers of breathing cigarette smoke.
So it's not a stretch to make the case that chemical-contaminated air can be bad for you. But good luck convincing a worker that holding a carbon disulfide-contaminated tool in a bare hand day after day can damage his sperm. When he was done, he went to his truck, pulled off a glove, then yanked off the other glove and both boots with his bare hands. Providing protective clothing isn't enough, Klingner says. Educating workers and changing their behavior is the other half of the battle.