Methods and results of a New Hampshire study of unintended, workplace chemical exposures: Subsequent strategies for surveillance-based prevention using poison center information

Background: New Hampshire, and recently Maine, studied poison center call information to determine potential causes of unintended, mainly acute, workplace chemical exposures. Study results included identification of a wide variety of chemical exposures, event circumstances, and opportunities for prevention. Now, interest exists in implementing results with surveillance-based prevention. Methods: Both studies used mainly qualitative analyses of call records to the Northern New England Poison Center (NNEPC). Methodology for extracting information from narrative descriptions had transparency, consistency, and reproducibility. (This methodology can help other states gain study validity.) Based on results, recommendations were formed for safer workplace chemical practice. Results: Similarity of results existed between the New Hampshire and Maine studies. However, both study periods were short; and workplace chemical substance use changes over time. Further, results from two states may not capture all chemical substances and exposure circumstance. Hence, other states may benefit from performing similar studies, and converting their results into ongoing surveillance-based prevention. Conclusions: Strategies are needed to transform study results into ongoing surveillance-based prevention. As more states engage in this activity, a more complete national picture of chemicals in the workplace will emerge. This understanding will help reduce a potentially serious type of workplace injury.