Now that American industry seems to have focused all of its energies on the newest hot topic—going “green”—many issues that formerly seemed to grab so much attention, such as the health effects of mold, have faded into the background. The fact is that mold continues to be a problem in the residential, commercial, and industrial markets, and it must be dealt with on an ongoing basis. This article takes a look at the state of mold remediation and what’s new in the area.
EPA said that in August 2007 its inspectors found open and unlabeled containers of hazardous waste at the facility and evidence of a release of used oil, as well as stored containers of hazardous waste without a permit and stored hazardous waste for longer than the 90 days allowed. At the time of the inspection, the company had ceased its pineapple growing operations, the agency noted.
ASSE has launched its 7th annual kids' "Safety-on-the-Job" poster contest, which is open to ASSE members' children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and will have a Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2009, deadline.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded $24 million to fund 55 projects in 29 state and local public health departments that could serve as innovative approaches for influenza pandemic preparedness.
Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, tasteless, odorless and non-irritating and cannot be detected by any of the senses. Because it is not readily detected, employees can be exposed to very high levels without realizing there is a problem.
Seven standards, one guideline, and various addenda to standards are open for review. Plus, the association is proposing the withdrawal of Standard 52.1-1992 "Gravimetric and Dust-Spot Procedures for Testing Air-Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter."
Researchers also found the risk of ischemic stroke increased by 56 percent, while the risk of coronary heart disease increased by 69 percent compared to those who were never exposed to secondhand smoke.
OSHA's inspection found that the office did not provide the injured employee with no-cost, post-exposure medical evaluation and follow-up, and did not have the blood of the source individual tested, as required under OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard.
The funds, awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, will be used to provide temporary employment on projects for the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed public structures, facilities and lands within the affected communities.
"By appointing Ellen now as president, she will define DuPont's detailed 2009 execution plans that will make a solid advance toward achieving our 2010 accelerated growth goals," said current Chairman and CEO Chad Holliday.
"This funding will help the New York metropolitan area to acquire equipment, training, and support to further our mission of preventing dangerous radiological and nuclear materials from entering a high-risk urban area."
Specifically, the agency proposes to add export notification and consent requirements for spent lead-acid batteries and to revise the existing RCRA regulation regarding the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes for recovery among countries belonging to the OECD, among other revisions.
"The tests can be taken from the convenience of home or office, eliminating the need for travel-related expenses," said AIAQ Council Executive Director Charlie Wiles, of the new way for certificants to earn recertification credits.
The event will take place next year in Toronto, with the slogan "Discoveries Beyond Borders," but the deadline for presenters is Oct. 6, 2008.
The award is the highest honor bestowed on an individual safety professional by the NSC in recognition of outstanding service to the field of safety and health.
Among other measures, the agency is proposing to require bottled water manufacturers to test for the bacterium E. coli, an indicator of fecal contamination, if any coliform organisms are detected in source water or finished bottled water products.
Despite the threat of getting sick during cold and flu season, less Americans say they are regularly washing their hands.
The crystalline silica dust released during tuckpointing operations is very hard to control. The dust may be carried throughout the workplace. When workers use compressed air to clean their clothes, tools, and equipment, even more dust is added to the air.
A substantial amount of used electronics ends up in countries where disposal practices are unsafe to workers and dangerous to the environment, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Industrial hygienists and environmental health and safety professionals will gather in Tampa, Fla., for the Professional Conference on Industrial Hygiene (PCIH), November 8–11. PCIH will host more than 350 colleagues who want to stay current with trends, find solutions to everyday issues, and network with peers.