Environmental Health and Safety

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"We see big opportunities to deploy innovative strategies and technologies to monitor, measure and ultimately prevent emissions," said Matt Kolesar, regulatory manager at ExxonMobil’s XTO Energy affiliate, Since 2017, ExxonMobil has expanded its U.S. methane leak detection program, committed to its first global methane target, supported methane monitoring technology innovation and encouraged EPA to regulate methane emissions at new and existing sources.

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a common, highly hazardous industrial chemical linked to breast cancer and immune system cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemia (see EPA IRIS Exec Summary, Dec 2016). Concerned community members in Illinois made it a 2018 campaign issue after two federal agencies released studies showing elevated cancer risks outside Chicago.

After the temporary shutdown of the Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook (IL), La Grange trustees say they will continue to actively participate in efforts to protect public health. The Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook, suspended operations after the Feb. 15 issuance of a seal order from the Illinois EPA. The seal came after the facility’s refusal to voluntarily shut down after the EPA released a report that reflected elevated levels of ethaline-oxide in the surrounding area of the facility.

OSHA has cited Nemak USA Inc. – based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin – for exposing workers to metalworking fluids used on aluminum after three employees were diagnosed with occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a debilitating lung disease. The company faces penalties of $26,520 for two serious health violations, the maximum penalty allowed by law.

Chemical processing facilities that produce high concentrations of fine, hazardous, combustible and nuisance dust need an industrial dust collector that is cost effective to operate and easy to maintain on the plant floor. The Quad Pulse Package 2 (QPP2) dust collector from Camfil Air Pollution Control (APC) has two main filter cartridges designed for 590-1765 cubic-feet-per-minute air volumes to increase filtration capacity.

Public health experts are warning that the funding cuts outlined in President Trump’s fiscal year 2020 budget request would weaken the nation’s ability to tackle health problems. “In a time where life expectancy is falling, our leadership should be investing in better health, not cutting federal health budgets,” said Georges Benjamin, MD, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Insurance studies indicate machine safeguarding provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to reduce bottom-line operating costs by eliminating both the direct and indirect costs of employee accidents.

Rockford Systems, LLC., a premier provider of machine safeguarding products and services, is celebrating the opening of its multi-purpose Training Center located within the company's new headquarters in Rockford, IL. Launched in response to growing demand for the company's popular machine safeguarding seminars, the new space will support education and training for safety professionals, plant managers and machine operators.