Julia B Quint, PhD¹, Katy Wolf, PhD², Mike Morris², Jon Zavidil², Shanell McGoy, MPH¹, Elizabeth Katz, MPH, CIH¹, Kim Hagadone¹, and Janice C. Prudhomme, DO, MPH¹. (1) Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service, California Department of Health Services, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1901, Oakland, CA 94612, 510-622-4325, jquint@dhs.ca.gov, (2) Institute for Research and Technical Assistance, 230 N. Maryland Ave., Suite 103, Glendale, CA 91206

Aerosol products that clean and degrease brakes, carburetors, and other auto parts can contain toxic solvents that pollute the environment and cause health effects such as dermatitis, nerve damage, reproductive damage and cancer. Goals: (1) work with 14 diverse auto repair facilities to identify and test non-toxic aerosol cleaners that are safe and effective substitutes; (2) compare the benefits and costs of using water-based versus solvent-based aerosol automotive cleaners; (3) develop and disseminate educational information that promotes the use of non-toxic cleaners as a way to protect health and the environment, reduce costs, and simplify regulatory compliance. Methods: (1) evaluated purchase and use of aerosol automotive cleaners through auto repair shop site visits and key informant interviews with employers, union and trade association members, and hazardous materials inspectors; (2) analyzed workers' compensation and Cal/OSHA compliance data to identify key auto repair industry injury and illness claims and citations and their associated costs; (3) developed educational and resource material that incorporated the results of the interview information and data analyses. Results: Non-toxic, aerosol cleaners are effective in auto repair. Solvent-based aerosol cleaners are widely used, their health effects are poorly understood, and purchasing decisions are primarily based on effectiveness, vendor recommendations and compliance with environmental regulations. In general, employers were unaware of Cal/OSHA regulations. Health and safety issues and cost information identified from Cal/OSHA compliance data and workers' compensation claim data were useful in developing comprehensive injury and illness prevention information and in promoting use of non-toxic aerosol cleaners.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe three uses of solvent-based cleaners in the auto repair industry, and two ways they can adversely affect health.
• List two barriers faced by employers in protecting workers from the health effects of solvent-based cleaners.
• Explain how the use of non-toxic automotive cleaners can help to reduce worker illness and injury and environmental pollution, and simplify regulatory compliance.

Keywords: Cost-Effectiveness,

Related Web page: www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.