Awareness of kathon-based biocide substance handling and application of chemical industrial workers

Abstract

Kathon-based biocides used in controlling and mitigate the growth of microorganism that can cause problems in cooling water systems resulted hazardous skin problems such as allergic contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis or dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms of skin sensitization were found on the employees handling Kathon-based biocide in a local chemical company. A preliminary survey revealed only ten percent of the employees aware and received proper training in handling Kathon; regrettably such training only available abroad. Obtained findings suggested Kathon-based chemical supply companies in Malaysia to exercise regularly safe handling, risk assessment and medical examination. Feedbacks from these exercises would be beneficial to the company in better predicting the associated risks and positively affected the well-being of the employees thus reducing turnovers.