Freida L. Carson, PhD, HT(ASCP)
Department of Pathology (retired), Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Christa Hladik, AA, HT(ASCP)^cm, QIHC
Neuropathology and Immunohistochemistry, UT Southwestern Clinical Laboratories, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX

Keywords: chemical hazards, TWA, STEL, PEL, carcinogens

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

• define time-weighted average (TWA), permissible exposure limit (PEL), short-term exposure limit (STEL), LD_50, fire triangle, ergonomics, and universal precautions.
• identify the PEL, STEL, and action level of formaldehyde.
• state the action to be taken if monitoring indicates that the TWA of formaldehyde exceeds the allowable limit.
• identify the purpose of the Laboratory Standard (Occupation Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories).