When clients ask me to assist in choosing a product, I try to recommend a product with the least dangerous chemicals in it. I understand this isn’t always possible. However, I try to emphasize the worst case health scenarios and leave it up to the company to decide how to proceed. There are reasons to use a hazardous (to your health) product.
However, here are some considerations when choosing a hazardous product:
- more hazard vs less cost
- more hazard vs less time actually using product
- more hazard vs cost of PPE
- more hazard vs what the spec says
- more hazard vs different hazard
- more hazard vs terrible health effect/potential
- more hazard vs perception by others on the project (by the GC/public/subcontractors, media, neighbors)
Another issue with chemicals is the names and nomenclature. There are so many different names, common names, chemical names, and sub names of products – it gets confusing.
One solution called, ChemHat.org, offers a unique way of considering other chemicals. Plug in the CAS# (Chemical Abstract Number) or the name, and it gives you some ideas.
Another alternative in choosing the best product is to ask.
- Ask your industrial hygienist if this product is safe and/or are there concerns?
- Ask the GC if this is the only product that can be used
- Ask the architect if there are alternatives that are equally effective
- Ask the manufacturer if they have comparable products without the XXX hazard