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Introduction: From the perspective of prevention, knowledge of the hazardousness of chemicals and the potential negative effects they can produce is essential to be able to assess their risks and take measures to reduce them. Objective: To critically approach the fundamental aspects of the different systems for the classification, identification and communication of hazards and risks in the handling of dangerous substances. Materials and Methods: A compilation of the main systems developed and applied internationally (European Union, United Nations Organization, United States Fire Protection Agency, American Association of Coating and Paints of the United States and the Globally Harmonized System). Results and Discussion: In each one of them the shape and color combination of the pictograms, the symbols and icons used, warning words and letters, as well as the phrases to communicate the dangers or risks, compatibility and the precautionary recommendations are detailed. Due to its current status and increasingly extensive use worldwide, is detailed the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemical products (GHS). Conclusions: The GHS is a logical approach to chemical classification; it significantly enhances the proper, clear and easily understandable communication of chemical hazards, the protection of human health and the environment, and the management of chemicals by providing a single, standardized and harmonized system for classifying chemicals and developing labels and MSDSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The effects of pictorial aids in medication instructions on medication recall, comprehension, and adherence are reviewed. Summary. Many patients depend on medication labels and patient information leaflets for pertinent drug information, but these materials are often difficult for patients to understand. Research in psychology and marketing indicates that humans have a cognitive preference for picture-based, rather than text-based, information. Studies have shown that pictorial aids improve recall, comprehension, and adherence and are particularly useful for conveying timing of doses, instructions on when to take medicine, and the importance of completing a course of therapy. Other research has compared various techniques for using picture-based information and supports the use of integrative instructions, a combination of textual, oral, and pictorial communication, to promote comprehension and adherence. While pictures have generally proven useful for improving patient comprehension and adherence, not all picture-based interventions have produced successful results. Some icons, particularly clock icons, have been found to be too complex to enhance understanding and could not overcome the advantage provided by the familiarity of the text-based format, suggesting that patients be trained to use pictorial medication information before they are expected to use icons as an aid for medication administration. In addition to enhancing understanding, pictorial aids have been found to improve patients' satisfaction with medication instructions. Conclusion. The use of pictorial aids enhances patients' understanding of how they should take their medications, particularly when pictures are used in combination with written or oral instructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is a growing need for balanced drug information customized for special target groups such as children [Food and Drug Administration. Prescription Drug Product Labeling; Medication Guide Requirements; Proposed Rule. Part VII. Department of Health and Human Services, 21 CRF Part 201, et al. Federal Register 1995;60:44182–252; Dickinson D, Raynor DK, Duman M. Patient information leaflets for medicines: using consumer testing to determine the most effective design. Patient Educ Couns 2001;43:147–59]. Pictograms are one aid that may be used to make information easier to read and understand. The aim of this study was to test whether children understand pictograms developed by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) [The United States Pharmacopeial Convention Inc. USP Pictograms. Retrieved 11 March 2002 from http://www.usp.org/], and especially, if the pictograms improve children''s understanding of medicine leaflet information. Finnish elementary school children aged 7 years (n=28), 11 years (n=31) and 13 years (n=31) were interviewed and asked what they thought 15 USP pictograms mean. The two older age groups were also asked to read an “easy-to-read” leaflet for penicillin-V. Every second child was given a leaflet with a plain text and the others received the same text accompanied by pictograms. After reading the leaflet, the children were asked seven questions related to the text. Most of the children understood the meanings of the selected 15 pictograms correctly, the proportion of the correct explanations varying from 30 to 99% according to the pictogram. Even well-understood pictograms did not help the children understand the leaflet information, although they reduced the need for probing. This study shows that the context in which pictograms are tested makes a difference in the results. Testing plain pictograms without incorporating them in their real context, e.g., in the patient information leaflet may exaggerate their usefulness in leaflet information. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]