Hearing Prevention and Identifying Occupational Exposure Risks to Ototoxic Chemicals

In March of this year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published the advisory bulletin, Preventing Hearing Loss Caused by Chemical (Ototoxicity) and Noise Exposure. 

The bulletin was produced to provide information about exposure risks to ototoxicants, chemicals that may cause hearing loss or balance problems, regardless of noise exposure. Substances, including certain pesticides, solvents and pharmaceuticals that contain ototoxicants, can negatively affect how the ear functions, causing hearing loss and/or affect balance.

Occupational exposure to ototoxicants may occur through inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. Health effects caused by these chemicals vary based on exposure frequency, intensity, duration, workplace exposure to other hazards and individual factors such as age. These effects may be temporary or permanent.

“OSHA reports that their standards require employers to maintain exposure to specific substances at or below permissible exposure limits (PELs), but synergistic effects from a combined ototoxicant and noise exposure could result in hearing loss when exposures are below the PEL,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer industrial hygiene and environmental testing for a wide range of ototoxic chemicals. These include everything from mercury compounds and lead to solvents such as trichloroethylene, methylstyrene and styrene. As well as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, salts, tobacco smoke and more. We also provide a wide range of personal protective equipment to help prevent inhalation and skin absorption hazards.”

EMSL recently sponsored an online video about ototoxicity and ear protection that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/YzYipOjIOso.

To learn more about this or other occupational, environmental, indoor air quality, health and safety testing services or to access personal protective equipment (PPE), please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 44 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail