NIOSH logo and tagline

Request for the Technical Review of 10 Draft Skin Notation Assignments and Skin Notation Profile Documents

March 2019
NIOSH Docket Number 153-E, CDC-2019-0015

In 2009, NIOSH published Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB) 61 – A Strategy for Assigning New NIOSH Skin Notations [NIOSH 2009-147]. The CIB presents a strategic framework that is a form of hazard identification designed to do the following:

  • Ensure that the assigned skin notations reflect the contemporary state of scientific knowledge
  • Provide transparency behind the assignment process
  • Communicate the hazards of chemical exposures of the skin
  • Meet the needs of health professionals, employers, and other interested parties in protecting workers from chemical contact with the skin.

This strategy involves the assignment of multiple skin notations for distinguishing systemic (SYS), direct (DIR), and sensitizing (SEN) effects caused by exposure of skin (SK) to chemicals. Chemicals that are highly or extremely toxic and may be potentially lethal or life-threatening following exposures of the skin are designated with the systemic subnotation (FATAL). Potential irritants and corrosive chemicals are indicated by the direct effects subnotations (IRR) and (COR), respectively.

NIOSH conducted a public review of the following 10 draft skin notations and support technical documents, entitled Skin Notation Profiles:

To view the notices and related materials, visit https://www.regulations.gov  and enter CDC-2019-0015 in the search field and click “Search.”

Peer Review

Subject: NIOSH Skin Notation Profile

Purpose: Provides information about the health risks associated with dermal contact and uptake of a specific workplace chemical.

Timing of Review: March 2019 – May 2019.

Primary Disciplines or Expertise Needed for Review: Toxicology, risk assessment, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine.

Type of Review: Individual

Number of Reviewers: 2-3 reviewers

Reviewers Selected by: NIOSH

Public Nominations Requested for Reviewers: No

Opportunities for the Public to Comment: Yes

Peer Reviewers Provided with Public Comments Before Their Review: No

Charge to Peer Reviewers

  1. Does this document clearly outline the systemic health hazards associated with exposures of the skin to the chemical? If not, what specific information is missing from the document?
  2. If the SYS or SYS (FATAL) notations are assigned, are the rationale and logic behind the assignment clear? If not assigned, is the logic clear why it was not (e.g., insufficient data, no identified health hazard)?
  3. Does this document clearly outline the direct (localized) health hazards associated with exposures of the skin to the chemical? If not, what specific information is missing from the document?
  4. If the DIR, DIR (IRR), or DIR (COR) notations are assigned, are the rationale and logic behind the assignment clear? If not assigned, is the logic clear why it was not (e.g., insufficient data, no identified health hazard)?
  5. Does this document clearly outline the immune-mediated responses (allergic response) as health hazards associated with exposures of the skin to the chemical? If not, what specific information is missing from the document?
  6. If the SEN notation is assigned, are the rationale and logic behind the assignment clear? If not assigned, is the logic clear why it was not (e.g., insufficient data, no identified health hazard)?
  7. If the ID (SK) or SK were assigned, are the rationale and logic outlined within the document?
  8. Are the conclusions supported by the data?
  9. Are the tables clear and appropriate?
  10. Is the document organized appropriately? If not, what improvements are needed?
  11. Are you aware of any scientific data reported in governmental publications, databases, peer-reviewed journals, or other sources that should be included within this document?