News and Press Releases from Cochrane & Associates, LLC

IAQ Video Network Celebrates 3,000,000 Million Views and 4,250+ Subscribers

Earlier today, the IAQ Video Network celebrated 3 million views of their collection of educational videos on the company’s YouTube channel. The growing online channel is home to over 555 videos covering a diverse range of indoor air ...

Oct. 17, 2018

The Certified Industrial Hygienist® Fall Exam Period Underway

Earlier this month, the Certified Industrial Hygienist® fall exam window began and continues through November 30th. Applicants who completed applications by the August 1st deadline and were notified by staff at the American Board of Industrial ...

Oct. 16, 2018

Residents of Puerto Rico Prepare to Celebrate National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Just how many children and adults in Puerto Rico suffer from lead poisoning is hard to determine since the Puerto Rico Department of Health has no formal blood lead surveillance program. For children on the islands, considered the most vulnerable ...

Oct. 15, 2018

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and Protecting Families and Workers from Exposure Hazards

Later this month, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) is recognized across the United States. The event takes place from October 21st through the 27th in what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes as a weeklong campaign to ...

Oct. 8, 2018

Protecting the Environment and Communities from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Since the 1950s, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used worldwide. This large group of manmade chemicals, used by industry and in consumer products, is today found widely in the environment. While some PFAS are no longer ...

Oct. 8, 2018

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Discussed in New Video

Today, the IAQ Video Network and Cochrane & Associates announced the release of their latest educational video. Their newest production discusses National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) which takes place this year from October 21st ...

Oct. 7, 2018

Combustible Dust Testing in Puerto Rico to Protect Workers and Manufacturing Facilities

Each year, explosions and fires caused by combustible dust hazards result in horrific injuries, deaths and the destruction of property. Combustible dusts are fine particles that present an explosion hazard when suspended in air under certain ...

Oct. 1, 2018

Testing for Tobacco and Other Smoke Residues and the New HUD Smoke-Free Housing Rule

On July 21st of this year, a final rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requiring Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to implement smoke-free policies went into full effect. The new rule has a major impact on thousands of ...

Oct. 1, 2018

ABIH® Elects New Vice Chair and Board of Director Members for 2019 and Beyond

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene® is pleased to announce Cynthia Hanko, CIH® as the new Vice Chair-elect of the ABIH® Board of Directors for 2019. She will succeed Dirk Yamamoto, PhD, CIH®, CSP®, PE, who will become ABIH ...

Sep. 26, 2018

Protecting the Health and Safety of Communities and Workers in the Wake of Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence has left a path of destruction across large parts of North and South Carolina. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the historic storm also caused an estimated $17 to $22 billion dollars in damage. In fact, according to ...

Sep. 24, 2018

Monitoring Outdoor and Indoor Air Quality in Puerto Rico to Protect People’s Health

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was continuing to work with the government of Puerto Rico to fully re-establish its air monitoring network in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The network is a key component ...

Sep. 24, 2018

HUD’s New Smoke-Free Public Housing Rule Discussed in New Video

Today, the IAQ Video Network and Cochrane & Associates announced the release of their latest educational video. Their newest production discusses the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the agency’s new requirements ...

Sep. 23, 2018

OSHA Extends Some Compliance Dates for the General Industry Beryllium Standard

Last month, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule to extend the compliance date for specific ancillary requirements of the general industry beryllium standard to December 12, 2018. According to OSHA, ...

Sep. 20, 2018

Identifying Flesh Eating Bacteria and Other Microbial Pathogens from Contaminated Surfaces and Environmental Samples in Puerto Rico

Following the devastating 2017 hurricane season, Puerto Rico and many of its neighbors in the Caribbean that experienced widespread destruction witnessed a dramatic spike in bacterial infections. Tragically, along with the rise in infections, came ...

Sep. 18, 2018

Exposure to Fragrances and Perfumes in the Work Environment Could Cause or Exacerbate Asthma

The perfumes and fragrances that are found in personal care products, air fresheners and even cleaning products are frequently encountered and all too common. While some people find these odors to be pleasant, these same scents can act as a ...

Sep. 12, 2018

Healthy Indoor Environments are a Crucial Component for Success at Schools and Universities in Puerto Rico

Most K-12 schools and universities across Puerto Rico opened their doors for the new school year last month. The return to classrooms is an exciting and rewarding time for students, teachers and faculty so long as they can focus their efforts on ...

Sep. 10, 2018

Designing Jobs to Fit Workers through the Science of Ergonomics to Prevent Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has shared data showing that as recently as 2015 there were 356,910 musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) reported that year. These cases accounted for 31% of all nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring ...

Sep. 10, 2018

Flesh Eating Bacteria Discussed in New Video

Today, the IAQ Video Network and Cochrane & Associates announced the release of their latest educational video. Their newest production discusses necrotizing fasciitis, commonly referred to as flesh eating bacteria. “This summer ...

Sep. 9, 2018

Protecting Temporary Workers from Occupational Health and Safety Hazards

Millions of people across the globe work as temporary or contract employees for businesses and institutions. These workers are involved with everything from clerical and administrative functions to construction, manufacturing, industrial, and ...

Sep. 4, 2018

Building Ventilation and Indoor Environmental Quality in Puerto Rico’s Commercial Properties

In late June, Better Ventilation Pays Off In Productivity, Health was published by the Healthy Facilities Institute. The feature looked into building ventilation standards that are based on minimum requirements and how increasing ventilation rates ...

Sep. 4, 2018