Industrial Hygiene


Fighting the Superbug

It was bound to happen. Medical professionals warned about it more than 50 years ago when a surprisingly effective tool for fighting infections first entered into broad use in the 1950s. If we step back a bit more to 1939, when two European scientists used penicillin for the first time on a human patient, it becomes obvious why antibiotics have been so heavily prescribed to fight infections.

Eyewash and Shower Equipment Goes Far to Protect Workers

It is hard to argue against the importance of the need for eyewashes and showers in the workplace, given the reported injuries to and incident statistics of workers who require medical treatment of some kind. Take eye injuries, for example—there are 800,000 reported eye injuries in the American workforce each year, many of which are caused by exposure to chemical hazards.

Foundry Cited for Willful Over-Exposure to Beryllium, Worker Facial Hair

"It's disappointing when we find on re-inspection that problems which may lead to death or serious injury still exist," said Jule Hovi, OSHA's area director in Toledo, Ohio.

Gas Regulators Recalled for Leak Hazard

Fisher Controls International sold the equipment to LP-gas dealers nationwide from June 2006 through January 2008.

ILO Marks Workers Memorial Day with Risk Management Report

Events around the world today bring attention to the safety and health of working people.

Pesticide Levels in UK's Waters Better in 2007, Reports Say

But more acreage is being planted this year because of growing worldwide food demand, and that means pesticide use will rise.

HVAC Group Seeks 'Safety Masters'

The program recognizes Air Conditioning Contractors of America members who have made a significant impact on workplace safety by implementing programs that produce results, the group says.

Council Confirms Link between Ozone Pollution and Premature Death

Evidence of a relationship between short-term--less than 24 hours--exposure to ozone and mortality has been mounting, but interpretations of the evidence have differed, prompting EPA to sponsor an international committee to study it.



New Federal Research Agenda Set for Drug-Resistant TB

The lead agency's director says the agenda addresses today's "antiquated, slow" TB diagnostic tools.

Long Island Rail Road Pays $43,875 for Fluorescent Lamps in Trash

According to EPA, currently available recycling systems can capture up to 99 percent of the mercury in fluorescent bulbs and the mercury can be reused in new bulbs.

PEN: Europe Nearly Doubling U.S. Spending on Nano Risk Research

"It appears the U.S. is guilty of wishful thinking in its assessment of research that will lead to the development of safe nanotechnologies," says PEN Chief Science Advisor Andrew Maynard.

IAQ Council Fights Consumer Fraud

"It's a problem that has been growing for some time," said Charlie Wiles, IAQ executive director. "This campaign represents our decision to address it aggressively."

NIST, NASA Release New Nanotube Measurement Report

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, in collaboration with NASA, has published detailed guidelines for making essential measurements on samples of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). NIST said the new guide, titled "Measurement Issues in Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes," constitutes the current best practices for characterizing one of the most promising and heavily studied of the new generation of nanoscale materials.

OSHA, AFS Target Silica Exposure Prevention

"Our Alliance will continue to work together to provide AFS members and metalcasting businesses with free guidance and training resources to protect the well-being of employees in the foundry industry," said OSHA chief Edwin G. Foulke, Jr.

Report: U.S. Manufacturers Spending Billions on Pollution Prevention

The reported costs include capital and operating costs for treatment/capture, prevention, recycling, and disposal, as well as depreciation of pollution abatement equipment.

Odor-Eating Silver Nanoparticles Raise Concern

Scientists are recommending a closer examination of the unforeseen environmental and health consequences of nanosilver, seen here in a biosensor image with the particles deposited on glass, courtesy of the National Science Foundation.

OSHA Alliance in Massachusetts Aims to Save Hearing

"The key to preventing hearing loss is in knowing how to identify, address, and minimize workplace noise hazards, be that workplace a factory, construction site, or other venue," said Mary Hoye, OSHA's area director in Springfield.

UK Cuts Noise Limits for Entertainment Industry

Employers must ensure hearing protection is worn in posted hearing protection zones at 85 decibels and must allow voluntary HPD use at 80db average levels, daily or weekly.

Pittsburgh Graduate School Creates Biostatistics/Epidemiology Center

Director Gary M. Marsh, Ph.D. has investigated long-term health effects of exposure to agents such as arsenic, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

NIOSH Posts Alert on Safety at Indoor Firing Ranges

The document lists good practices that can prevent excessive exposure to lead and noise by officers using indoor firing ranges and by employees of the ranges who clean up.

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