Clinical industrial toxicology. An approach to information retrieval.

Exposure to hazardous chemicals often occurs in the workplace. Workers and health care providers may have little knowledge of the health effects of these substances. An algorithm was developed to outline a logical approach to toxicologic information retrieval. Printed material and information sources such as government agencies, manufacturers, unions, and poison control centers should be consulted as a first step. If additional information is needed, telecommunications systems provide access to online databases. Aspects of databases most likely to provide useful information on toxic exposures are described.