Environmental Issues
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES CONCERNING PERSONAL PROTECTION AND THE DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
Avianitarians and Aviculturists need to be aware, in working with microbiology, of methods to protect  themselves, their families and their birds, so that they are not incompetent and, therefore, dangerous individuals. It is also the aviculturist’s responsibility to protect themselves from over-exposure to the chemicals that they come in contact with on a daily basis. Most chemicals used in the aviary are not harmful in the small, individual dosages used when cleaning and disinfecting their aviary, nursery and laboratory.  However, many aviculturists  buy products in bulk to take advantage of lower prices. Exposure to large dosages during an accidental spill or contamination by other chemicals can lead to injury, sickness or death.

Products containing chemicals that are hazardous are listed on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) mandated by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Each product on the market for use in a laboratory must have an MSDS to provide the aviculturist,  with the information about the product which could ultimately be hazardous and/or cause harm to the family, birds AND the aviculturist should an accident occur. The format of an MSDS for a product includes the following information pertaining to its ingredients:
Identity
The name of the product as sold and as labeled.
Chemical product identification and company information
Manufacturer’s name, address, telephone number for emergency or general information
Hazardous ingredients information
A hazardous ingredient is one which meets one or more of the following criteria:
a. Listed in the annual registry of toxic effects of chemical substances
b. known to be toxic within the parameters of that registry.
c. Has an OSHA established, 8 hour time weighted average permissible exposure limit (PEL), or acceptable ceiling, or an American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACHIH) threshold limit value (TLV), and by nature of the product or its known use, is likely to become airborne.

d. It contributes to one or more of the following hazards of the product:
1.Flash point (temperature at which it will catch fire) below 93°C. (CC), or subject to spontaneous heating or decomposition.
2.Causes skin burns. (DOT)
3.Strong oxidizing agent. (DOT)
4.Subject to hazardous polymer-ization.
Each ingredient meeting one or more of the above criteria listed above is known to be present at a level of at least one percent (1%) or more. Ingredients which are claimed to be carcinogens (a known cause of cancer), teratogens (causes physical defects in developing embryos), mutagens (induces genetic changes or mutations in the DNA chromosomes, which are the blueprint of life, in individual cells that can affect future generations if the sperm or egg cells are affected), or causative agents of other disorders are listed, if known or believed to be present, provided that the data supporting such claims are considered valid.
Each hazardous ingredient is listed by chemical, generic, or proprietary name. Its level in the product is expressed as a percentage or by other means as identified.
Hazards identification
Physical/chemical characteristics such as:
Boiling point:
For liquids at 20°C and 760 mm of Hg unless other wise specified.
Vapor pressure:
If liquid at 20°C or is sublimes.
    Vapor density:
For the volatile portion of the product.
   Specific gravity:
If known, based on water = 1.
   Melting point:
If known, expressed in degrees F or C.
   Evaporation rate:
If known, indicated with reference to butyl acetate as 1, unless otherwise stated.
Fire and Explosion Data
How a chemical reacts to outside stimuli:
Flash point:
A method and temper-ature are given, if applicable.
Flammable limits:
LEL = Lower explosion limit for the component with the lowest value; UEL = Upper explosion limit.
Special fire fighting procedure:
Indicates any equipment needed to protect firemen from toxic products of combustion or if water is not to be used.
Unusual fire and explosion hazards:
Hazards not covered by other sections shown here.
Reactive data
Stability:
Indicates if stable under normal conditions and conditions to avoid.
Incompatibility:
Materials to avoid.
Hazardous polymerization:
Conditions to avoid hazardous polymerization resulting in a large release of energy.
Hazardous decomposition products:
Indicates toxic by-products of burning, or reacted material.
Safe handling and usage
Recipients of this data sheet should consult the OSHA safety and health standards found in 29  CFR 1910, particularly sub-part G – occupational health and environmental control and sub-part I – personal protective equipment, for general guidance on control of potential occupational health hazards.                                                                          

Exposure Information:
Given in general terms, local and systemic effects to the eyes, skin, if material is inhaled or ingested, unless not applicable due to the physical form of the product.