Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
containing products. To reduce such time delays, USEPA often negotiates
voluntary use restrictions with an industry or industry group.
E.
Warnings
If a product is hazardous or potentially hazardous, the manufacturer has a
common law duty to warn potential users. In the case of pesticides and other
toxic/hazardous substances, manufacturers are required by law to place
warning labels on products. Such warnings describe conditions under which
the product can be safely used and hazards and health risks if it is not. Paint
strippers, oil-based paints and varnishes, and cleaning solvents have warn-
ing labels advising consumers to use them only in ventilated areas. Kerosene
heater labels warn consumers of potential fire hazards and advise consumers
to use only in ventilated areas. Warning labels are required on all chemicals
and chemical formulations subject to regulation under the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) hazard communication stan-
dard (HCS). The HCS is designed to protect workers. Wood product manu-
facturers producing particle board or hardwood plywood apply warning
labels (for HCHO) to their product in addition to the standard mill stamp.
Under HUD regulations, a specific warning label which describes potential
health risks associated with HCHO exposures must be displayed in a prom-
inent place inside new mobile homes and be included in the owner's manual.
The required warning is illustrated in
Figure 13.1
.
The basic premise of a warning is that by being informed of the hazards
or potential hazards, users can make informed decisions in order to protect
themselves and their families. In practice, few consumers read warning
labels and even fewer respond to them in a way that reduces exposure risks.
Warning labels on cigarette packages are a classic example. Despite warnings
of serious health effects associated with tobacco smoking, tens of millions
of Americans smoke, and several million children begin smoking each year.
HUD warnings required on new mobile homes since 1986 had no apparent
effect on sales. Despite warning labels on pesticides and pesticide formula-
tions, misapplication and illness symptoms associated with home pesticide
use are common.
Warnings required by law or voluntarily placed on products by manu-
facturers have limited effectiveness. They have one unintended consequence:
they have apparently reduced manufacturers' legal liability in many claims
involving personal injury (as interpreted by judges or juries).
F.
Compulsory HVAC system performance evaluations
A regulatory mandate for the regular inspection of ventilation system per-
formance has been legislated by the Swedish Parliament for all nonindustrial
buildings (except single-family residences with mechanical exhaust and nat-
ural ventilation). The inspection intervals vary from 2 to 9 years depending
