ANTONIO CONTO
Chemsafe, Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy

The assessment of adverse effects on the health on professional workers potentially exposed to hazardous substances during their manufacturing is becoming a key activity for HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) of all chemical (including pharmaceutical) companies. The progressive demand to determine such evaluation is due to many factors. In particular:

• A general higher sensitivity of companies management and deeper legal liability due to the long application of European Union and USA rules regarding the safety of workplace;
• A deeper knowledge of the hazardous profile of handled chemicals due to application of Reach and related regulations. This is mainly referred to chemical industries when manipulating CMRs (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Toxic for Reproduction substances) or highly toxic substances.
• The progressive increase in the manufacture of so called High Potency Drugs (h-API) by the pharmaceutical and chemical-pharmaceutical companies. High pharmaceutical potency is often, not always, accompanied by a critical toxicological profile.

It’s hence crucial for every company to have its own policy re ...