Environmental Health and Safety - Articles - Page 329

Workplace solvents could lead to memory problems decades after exposure

May 23, 2014

A new study published recently in the journal Neurology suggests a link between workplace solvents and memory loss. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Public Health examined the results of memory and cognitive tests conducted more than 2,000 retirees of the French national utility company about ten years after they’d retired.

EPA proposes updates to emissions standards for refineries

May 21, 2014

After receiving input from stakeholders including community groups, industry and the states, the EPA is proposing to update the toxic air pollution standards for petroleum refineries to protect neighborhoods located near refineries. The agency describes the change as a “common-sense” proposal that includes new monitoring requirements.

Do you – and your workers – understand the new GHS labels?

Label deadline will take effect next year

May 20, 2014

As of December 1, 2014, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to ship products using old labels. Instead, they must be in compliance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) regulations incorporated into the Hazard Communications standard published by OSHA in 2012. Among the changes: new GHS labels.

Published report: Nano worker developed allergic sensitization, breathing problems, and rash

Dr. Shane Journey

May 20, 2014

The American Journal of Industrial Medicine recently reported online a “game changing” Harvard-based report by Dr. Shane Journeay and Dr. Rose Goldman in the field of nanotechnology - toxicology. The study is the first reported or published case in North America of a worker handling nanoparticles in a U.S. manufacturing facility and developing serious health effects.

Unions from around the world call for asbestos ban

Russian asbestos industry tries to crash conference

May 16, 2014

It’s legal in emerging nations but banned in the developed world (although you can still find it in many buildings). An international coalition called for it to be banned globally 25 years ago, but as an industry, it continues to thrive.

EPA extends comment period for farm worker pesticide exposure proposal

May 15, 2014

The EPA is extending the comment period for the proposed revisions to the agricultural Worker Protection Standard for an additional 60 days, until August 18, 2014, in response to requests from growers, industry, farmworker advocates and states for additional time to provide input.

True U.S. worker death toll likely much higher than official figures

May 15, 2014

Despite significant advancements in workplace health and safety over the past four decades, 150 people are killed on the job or die from job-related illnesses and diseases every day in the U.S, reports the 2014 edition of the AFL-CIO’s annual Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect.

Injured workers and narcotic use: some surprising findings

May 15, 2014

In terms of climate, geography, accents and politics, New York and Louisiana are very dissimilar, but they do have this in common: the amount of narcotics used by an average injured worker in each state is about double the amount of other states.

NIOSH Science Blog

How well do you think you are protected?

Understanding proper use and disposal of protective gowns for healthcare workers

Selcen Kilinc-Balci PhD, MBA

May 13, 2014

The prevalence of infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, SARS and avian flu, have raised the concern of hospital personnel over the possibility of acquiring such infections. Healthcare workers (HCWs) in or outside hospitals who have contact with patients, body fluids, or specimens may easily acquire infections from or transmit infections to patients, other personnel, or loved ones.

Occupational hazard in space: headaches

CO2 may cause headaches on International Space Station, study suggests

May 13, 2014

Headaches in astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) are attributed to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), reports a study in the May Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).