Industrial Hygiene


Gold Nanoparticles Show Promise for Killing Cancer Cells

Researchers have developed the first hollow gold nanospheres that search out and “cook” cancer cells. The cancer-destroying nanospheres show particular promise as a minimally invasive future treatment for malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, the researchers said. Melanoma now causes more than 8,000 deaths annually in the United States alone and is on the increase globally.

Penn Medicine Multi-Pronged Approach Reduces Bloodstream Infections

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) fell by more than 90 percent during the past three years at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania due to a multi-pronged approach combining leadership initiatives, electronic infection surveillance, checklists to guide line insertion and maintenance, and implementation of the Toyota Production System to encourage best practices in line care.

TSI Donates more than $265,000 in PortaCount Plus Quantitative Fit Testers

The American Industrial Hygiene Foundation partnered with TSI to distribute the remaining production stock of PortaCountTM Plus Respirator Fit Tester Model 8020s that had recently been retired.

Metal Forgings Manufacturer Cited for Serious Safety Violations

A Dec. 23, 2008, incident in which two employees were injured when they were struck by a 700-pound forging that shot up in the air while they were attempting to free it from a malfunctioning die on a power press led to the second of two agency inspections.

Chemical Releases Spur Investigation, Lead to $44,000 in Penalties

The W. Va.-based company was cited for failing to ensure that operating procedures addressed special or unique hazards of the process, failing to conduct adequate inspections on process equipment, and failing to ensure that proper respiratory protection and personal protective equipment were utilized during an emergency response, among other things.

Canadian Standard Targets Airborne Contaminants in the Operating Room

Procedures that require instruments such as surgical lasers to treat a patient can generate toxic smoke and other vapors that may create an occupational health risk for health care workers and other professionals.

FDA Assesses New Nanotechnology Test to Detect Anthrax

The Food and Drug Administration recently completed a "proof-of-concept" study of a test that quickly and accurately detects the presence of even the smallest amount of the deadly anthrax toxin.

proper handwashing technique

Researchers Develop Low-cost Method for Monitoring Hand Hygiene Compliance

This method of monitoring hand hygiene compliance, which is essential for infection control in hospitals, was released at the annual meeting of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).



Nanotechnology in Food Focus of London Seminar

The latest developments in nanotechnology and its potential for use in the food industry is the subject of a seminar on April 30 in London.

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis

DOL Withdraws Diacetyl Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said this step facilitates the convening of a small business advocacy review panel to determine the impact a proposed rule might have on small businesses and how those impacts can be reduced.

Sugar Producer Fined for Combustible Dust Hazards

Other alleged violations of the Florida company include not developing lockout/tagout procedures on packaging machines to prevent accidental machinery start-up; exposing employees to electrical hazards; and using high-pressure compressed air for cleaning purposes.

FDA Forms Nanotechnology Alliance

The Food and Drug Administration recently unveiled a new collaboration initiative with the Houston-based Alliance for NanoHealth (ANH) and its eight member institutions to help speed development of safe and effective medical products in the emerging field of nanotechnology.

Process Safety Management Failings at Refinery Lead to $130,500 in Fines

Included in the penalty amount is one willful violation for the company's failure to appropriately test gas monitors for hydrogen sulfide and combustible gas in the HVAC systems for the control rooms.

APIC Offers Visitor Tips for Patient Safety

To commemorated Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 8-14), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has offered some simple tips for visitors to health care facilities to do their part in ensuring patient safety.

Highest Mesothelioma Rate Found for UK Boomer Carpenters

One in 17 British carpenters born in the 1940s will die of the cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos, according to new research published in the British Journal of Cancer.

OSHA Interpretation: Not All Firefighters have HAZWOPER Clearance

"Personnel trained to the first responder awareness level may make an effort to identify hazardous substances, but they must do so from a safe distance," wrote Richard E. Fairfax, director of OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement Programs.

First Person: A Tragic Encounter with H2S

I'm disabled becuase of exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas during a welding job in May 2001. Don't let this happen to you.

Sheet Metal Fabricator Faces $273,000 in Fines for Asbestos Hazards

"The sizable fines proposed here reflect the fact that this company knew several of these critical safeguards were necessary yet chose not to provide them," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director in Buffalo, N.Y.

ANSI Approves Acceptance Testing Specs Standard for Electrical Power Systems

"Anyone involved in the energization of electrical equipment should consider this document a must have," says Al Peterson, president of Utility Service Corporation.

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