Industrial Hygiene


Australian Agency Backs Control Banding for Nanomaterials

This approach is the correct risk management process because data are lacking for the risk potential of individual engineered nanomaterials, but there is some understanding of hazards posed by different groups of nanomaterials, Safe Work Australia said in a new report.

Study Correlates Workplace BPA Exposure to Male Sexual Dysfunction

"This study raises the question: Is there a safe level for BPA exposure, and what is that level? More studies like this, which examine the effect of BPA on humans, are critically needed to help establish prevention strategies and regulatory policies," said lead author De-Kun Li, M.D., Ph.D., of Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in Oakland, Calif.

Heating, Air Conditioning, Carpets Could be Hazardous to Health

Damp environments, poorly maintained heating and air conditioning systems, and carpeting may contribute to poor indoor air quality, according to experts at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Miami Beach, Fla. Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, where they are repeatedly exposed to indoor allergens and airborne particles that can lead to respiratory symptoms and conditions.

Three U.S. Students Take Home Awards for Remediation Projects

"These impressive young environmentalists all displayed superb thought leadership and presentation skills. Selecting the winning themes was extremely difficult, although the industry will surely be hearing more from these students in years ahead," said John Valkenburg of Adventus.

$75K Grant Awarded to Assist Anhydrous Ammonia Facilities in Missouri

EPA said its Region 7 receives more accidental release reports for ammonia than for any other chemical. In addition to releases caused by transportation accidents, human error, and equipment failure, a number have been caused by anhydrous ammonia thefts.

protective goggles

ISEA's Eye and Face Protection Group Writing Biohazard Standard

The group, consisting of representatives from 14 major vision protection suppliers, held a kickoff meeting Nov. 9 during the association's Fall Meeting.

Jeff Gordon 24

NASCAR's Jeff Gordon Hosts Free Training DVD on Air Toxics Reductions

In December 2007, EPA issued a rule requiring reductions in air toxic emissions from auto body shops that use spray application to paint cars or that use paint strippers containing a toxic substance called methylene chloride. Existing shops must comply with the rule by January 2011; new shops have to comply by 180 days after startup.

EPA Releases Data on Compliance with Hazwaste, Air Regulations

The reports include online graphs, trend information on enforcement and compliance in each state, and comparative reports. Data such as compliance monitoring activity, violations discovered, enforcement actions taken, and penalties assessed are available.



EPA Seeks Input on Pesticide Labeling, Children's Exposure to Spray Drift

"The new labels will carry more uniform and specific directions on restricting spray drift while giving pesticide applicators clear and workable instructions," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.

AIHA Hosts Webinar on OSHA's Proposal to Adopt GHS Hazard Communication

The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) will host "OSHA's Proposal to Adopt the Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication," an intermediate TeleWeb Virtual Seminar on Nov. 19, 2009, from 2-4:30 p.m. ET. Featured speakers are Jennifer Silk and Denese Deeds, CIH.

A+A 2009 Equals 2007's Attendance

"For the companies, they have to be at this show if they want to be in the market," said Birgit Horn, A+A 2009 director.

An image of people at A+A Messe Dusseldorf.

Huge Crowds Fill A+A's Halls

Attendees from around the world are filling some of the lavish booths occupied by the largest PPE companies, including the Uvex unit of Sperian Protection, Honeywell Safety Products, MSA, Ansell, and more.

Dr. David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, assistant secretary of Labor for occupational safety and health

HELP Committee Decides to Bypass Full Hearing for Potential OSHA Chief

The Senate panel overseeing Dr. David Michaels' nomination has instead chosen to go with a mostly written question-and-answer format, with an option for individual members to meet with the nominee if they choose.

Bechtel Group's $10K Donation to ASSE Puts OHS Scholarships Up for Grabs

To be eligible for one of the three Bechtel Group Foundation scholarships resulting from this donation, a student must be enrolled full-time (12 hours or more per semester) and pursuing an undergraduate degree in occupational safety and health or a closely related field, preferably with an emphasis on construction safety.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson laid out new principles for revising the Toxic Substances Control Act in late September.

A New Kid on Our Block

Seen by some as OSHA's much bigger brother, EPA waded into several big safety issues this fall.

Study Shows How Carbon Nanotubes Can Affect Lining of Lungs

Carbon nanotubes are being considered for use in everything from sports equipment to medical applications, but a great deal remains unknown about whether these materials cause respiratory or other health problems.

text mesaging with a cellphone

Cell-All Could Put Chemical Sensors Everywhere

Everywhere there is a cell phone, that is. First-generation lab prototypes will be demonstrated tomorrow in San Diego by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.

Armored Car Facility Found Electrically Unsafe, Faces Nearly $113K in Fines

"Electricity moves--and can kill or injure--at the speed of light. It doesn't give you a second chance," said C. William Freeman III, OSHA's area director in Hartford, Conn.

OSHA Levies $82,500 Fine to Ohio Steel Mill

"Steel mills remain a dangerous place to work, and it is inexcusable to fail to correct serious dangers, particularly after they've already been identified by OSHA. . . . We expect better," said OSHA Area Director Jule Hovi in Toledo, Ohio.

Safety Pact Formed on $557M Military Medical Complex Project

The venture, which will employ about 1,200 workers during peak construction activities, is an expansion and extension of Brook Army Medical Center and Fort Sam Houston and will create a medical complex encompassing both Army installations.

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