Review of the Literature on Determinants of Chemical Hazard Information Recall among Workers and Consumers

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016 May 31;13(6):546. doi: 10.3390/ijerph13060546.

Abstract

In many low and middle income countries (LMIC), workers' and consumers' only access to risk and hazard information in relation to the chemicals they use or work with is on the chemical label and safety data sheet. Recall of chemical hazard information is vital in order for label warnings and precautionary information to promote effective safety behaviors. A literature review, therefore, was conducted on determinants of chemical hazard information recall among workers and consumers globally. Since comprehension and recall are closely linked, the determinants of both were reviewed. Literature was reviewed from both online and print peer reviewed journals for all study designs and countries. This review indicated that the level of education, previous training and the inclusion of pictograms on the hazard communication material are all factors that contribute to the recall of hazard information. The influence of gender and age on recall is incongruent and remains to be explored. More research is required on the demographic predictors of the recall of hazard information, the effect of design and non-design factors on recall, the effect of training on the recall among low literate populations and the examining of different regions or contexts.

Keywords: Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS); comprehension; determinants; labels; memory; recall; warning information.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Comprehension
  • Female
  • Hazardous Substances*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Recall*
  • Middle Aged
  • Product Labeling*
  • Publications
  • Research Design
  • Risk
  • Safety*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hazardous Substances