NIOSH publishes profiles for three potentially hazardous chemicals – Safety+Health magazine

Report on NIOSH Chemical Safety Guidelines and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction

A recent report series from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) establishes updated Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) values for three chemical substances prevalent in industrial workplaces. The establishment of these values is a critical measure for safeguarding worker health, directly contributing to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on health, decent work, and responsible production.

2.0 Assessed Chemical Substances and IDLH Values

NIOSH has released comprehensive IDLH profiles detailing exposure limits and health risks. The findings are crucial for industries striving to meet targets under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by managing chemical risks effectively.

• Hydrogen Bromide (HBr)
  • IDLH Value: 35 parts per million (ppm)
  • Industrial Uses: Organic synthesis, mineral ore solvent, residue cleaner, and alkylation catalyst.
• Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
  • IDLH Value: 45 ppm
  • Industrial Uses: Fumigation, manufacturing of acrylics, synthetic rubber, plastics, and dyes; steel hardening; and mining operations.
• Hydrogen Iodide (HI)
  • IDLH Value: 45 ppm
  • Industrial Uses: Reducing agent, manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, iodine salts, and iodine-based disinfectants.

3.0 Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The NIOSH guidelines provide a framework for employers to protect labor rights and promote safe working environments, which is fundamental to sustainable development. The initiative directly supports the following SDGs:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: By defining safe exposure limits, these guidelines aim to substantially reduce the number of illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals, in line with Target 3.9.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The report underscores the importance of safe and secure working environments for all workers. Adherence to these IDLH values is a key component of achieving Target 8.8, which calls for protecting labor rights and ensuring worker safety.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The responsible management of industrial chemicals is integral to building resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable industrialization. These safety protocols encourage the adoption of cleaner and safer industrial processes.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The guidelines promote the environmentally sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle, contributing to Target 12.4 by minimizing their adverse impacts on human health.

4.0 Mandated Safety Protocols for SDG Attainment

To mitigate the severe health outcomes associated with acute chemical exposure—ranging from respiratory irritation to death—NIOSH mandates specific protective measures. The implementation of these protocols is a direct action toward fulfilling SDG commitments related to occupational health.

Employers must require workers entering environments at or above IDLH concentrations to use one of the following:

• A NIOSH-approved full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• A combination supplied-air respirator with an SCBA.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article directly addresses this goal by focusing on preventing adverse health effects from occupational chemical exposures. It highlights the dangers of chemicals like hydrogen bromide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen iodide, which can cause “eye and respiratory tract irritation to severe, irreversible health effects – and in extreme cases, death.” The establishment of Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) values by NIOSH is a measure aimed at safeguarding worker health.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • This goal is connected through its emphasis on safe and secure working environments. The article details NIOSH’s efforts to create safer workplaces by defining hazardous exposure limits and mandating protective measures, such as requiring workers to wear a “NIOSH-approved full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus.” This contributes to the creation of decent work where employee safety is a priority.

2. Specific SDG Targets

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The article’s core subject—setting IDLH values for hazardous chemicals—is a direct strategy to achieve this target. By providing clear guidance on dangerous concentration levels of hydrogen bromide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen iodide, NIOSH aims to prevent the “deaths and illnesses” that result from acute occupational exposures to these substances.
2. Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers…
   • The NIOSH reports and the requirements for employers mentioned in the article are concrete actions that promote a safe working environment. The statement, “Employers must require workers entering IDLH conditions to wear a NIOSH-approved full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus,” is a regulatory measure designed to protect workers and fulfill the objective of this target.

3. Mentioned or Implied Indicators

1. Indicator for Target 3.9: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and lack of hygiene (exposure to risk factors in the workplace).
   • While not explicitly named, the article implies the need to measure and reduce the number of deaths and illnesses resulting from workplace chemical exposure. The entire purpose of the NIOSH IDLH values is to provide a benchmark to prevent such negative health outcomes. Progress would be measured by a decrease in the number of workers who suffer from “severe, irreversible health effects” or die due to exposure to the mentioned chemicals.
2. Indicator for Target 8.8: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries, by sex and migrant status (Indicator 8.8.1).
   • The article implies this indicator by discussing the prevention of health issues that would be classified as non-fatal or fatal occupational injuries/illnesses. The implementation of IDLH values and mandatory use of protective equipment are preventative measures intended to lower the frequency rate of such incidents. The NIOSH reports themselves can be seen as a component of a national OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) strategy, which is another indicator (8.8.2) for this target.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: safetyandhealthmagazine.com