ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES CONCERNING PERSONAL PROTECTION AND THE DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
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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.
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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:
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![]() The name of the product as sold and as labeled.
![]() ![]() Manufacturer’s name, address, telephone number for emergency or general 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
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![]() 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.
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