Overview of Toxicological Hazards in the Veterinary Workplace

Veterinarians and other veterinary practice workers can be exposed to toxicological and other hazards in their work environment. Chemical hazards can include disinfectants and cleaning chemicals, hazardous drugs, latex, pesticides, waste anesthetic gases, and other chemicals. Because veterinary clinics are regulated environments, employers are required to follow local regulatory requirements, which mandate providing workers with clear and accessible information about chemical hazards (1, 2).

Veterinary workplaces should maintain a written hazard communication plan that includes an inventory of hazardous substances. Safety data sheets (SDSs) must be readily available for all chemicals on the premises, and all containers should be properly labeled.

In addition, employers are responsible for training veterinary staff on the safe handling of chemicals, medications, and biological samples, and for implementing measures—such as the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)—to decrease the risk of exposure.

Using the hierarchy of controls established by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) can help guide the selection of appropriate safety measures. The most effective ways to decrease hazards are elimination and substitution; however, these approaches are not always feasible. At the other end of the spectrum, PPE is considered the least effective control method.

Despite sitting low in the hierarchy of controls, PPE plays a vital role in workplace safety by protecting against chemical, biological, and physical hazards. In veterinary settings, standard minimum PPE typically includes long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, socks, closed-toe footwear, and eye protection. Chemically resistant gloves appropriate to the task should always be worn, changed regularly, and, when necessary, doubled for added protection. Where there is a risk of inhalation or eye exposure, a properly fitted full-face respirator with suitable filters or cartridges, as well as safety glasses, should be used (3).

Improper or inadequate use of PPE can substantially increase the risk of harm, exposing veterinarians and their staff to hazards ranging from chemical exposure to zoonotic diseases, both of which can have serious health consequences.

Relying too heavily on PPE—especially when it is poorly fitted or unsuitable—can lead to increased risk, because it can create a false sense of security. Improper use of PPE has been a major contributor to injuries and fatalities. Respirators should be carefully chosen, properly fitted, and tested by trained and qualified individuals.

This chapter is not a comprehensive discussion of all possible toxicological workplace hazards faced by veterinarians and their staff. Instead, it focuses on some common, important, and potentially lethal agents known to have caused injuries and fatalities to veterinarians.

Discussion of advanced medical care is also beyond the scope of this chapter. Affected individuals should contact a human poison control center or other health professionals for treatment advice.