Specific Chemicals Program

There are a number of hazardous chemicals commonly used in biomedical research for which a biological use application (BUA) is required. These include carcinogens, chemotherapy agents, toxins of biological origin, and other chemicals that are deemed hazardous by the IBC, biosafety, or another authority. Biosafety performs a risk assessment and requires an exposure control plan or SOP for these agents. When there is a medical intervention that can be applied prior to exposure or a process for medical care upon exposure that can be developed ahead of time, the Occupational Medicine Program provides access to it for employees.

Not all chemicals used in biomedical research have a prophylactic measure such as an immunization. However, all chemical exposures, even small ones, must be reported to one’s supervisor. The supervisor is responsible to complete a manager’s incident report and to ensure that an injured employee seeks medical attention promptly.

BUA-Required Chemical Pre- and Post-Exposure Processes

Chemical	Research Role	Pre-Exposure Process	Post-Exposure Process
MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)	A neurotoxin that causes Parkinson’s-like symptoms	MPTP Protocol MPTP Medical Evaluation Authorization Form Work with this agent requires a physician’s approval – MPTP Evaluation Statement Animal bedding SOP Physical and health history Prescription for eldepryl/selegiline	Follow ECP Seek medical attention immediately Medication under a physician’s care
ENU  N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea	Potent mutagen	ECP, SOP, SDS Animal bedding SOP	Follow ECP Seek medical attention immediately
Pertussis toxin Diphtheria toxin Tetanus toxin	Used in the development of animal models for human disease Other uses in biomedical research	ECP, SOP, SDS Animal bedding SOP Vaccine	Follow ECP Seek medical attention Antitoxin may be available
Other toxins of biological origin, e.g. Tetrodotoxin Conotoxin, SEB, others	Various uses in biomedical research	ECP, SOP, SDS Animal bedding SOP	Follow ECP Seek medical attention
Carcinogens (Prop 65 list)	Various uses in biomedical research	ECP, SOP, SDS Animal bedding SOP	Follow ECP Seek medical attention
Chemotherapy agents	Various uses in biomedical research	ECP, SOP, SDS Animal bedding SOP	Follow ECP Seek medical attention
Streptozoticin	Induces diabetes in mice	ECP, SOP, SDS Animal bedding SOP	Follow ECP Seek medical attention
Pertussis toxin Diphtheria toxin Tetanus toxin	Used in the development of animal models for human disease Other uses in biomedical research	ECP, SOP, SDS Animal bedding SOP Vaccine	Follow ECP Seek medical attention Antitoxin may be available
Other toxins of biological origin, e.g. Tetrodotoxin Conotoxin, SEB, others	Various uses in biomedical research	ECP, SOP, SDS Animal bedding SOP	Follow ECP Seek medical attention