M10.2 MSDS and ToxNet

Material Data Safety Sheets are found in a binder in every unit of the hospital I work at. However, prior to this assignment I never knew they existed. One of the chemicals I found an MSDS for is Triclosan. It is an over the counter antisceptic wash product meant to be antibacterial, but shows significant hazardous manifestations after usage. Triclosan is classified as category 2 skin corrosion and serious eye damage. It is also considered a category 1 for aquatic toxicity acute and chronic. Since more research has been found, it has been taken off the market for consumers. First aid measures if exposure is occurring is to immediately wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and remove area of contamination. Throughout my time working at the hospital, I have never received instructions on how to deal with Triclosan exposure. While the MSDS was informative, it took a while to sift through all the information that is relevant and can be read by a well-educated healthcare professional. I do not believe that a normal community member would be able to understand the MSDS.