Industrial Hygiene News
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New Lower Screening Levels for Lead in Contaminated Soil and Resources to Protect Children and Families in Puerto Rico
In January, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was lowering recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. As a result of the lower screening levels, EPA also declared it expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the ...
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Nitrogen Dioxide and Indoor Air Quality Discussed in New Online Video
The IAQ Video Network and Cochrane & Associates announced the release of their latest educational video today. Their newest production discusses nitrogen dioxide and indoor air quality (IAQ). “According to the EPA, the average level of nitrogen dioxide in homes without combustion appliances is about half that of outdoors,” said Paul Cochrane, President of Cochrane & ...
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Volatile Organic Compound Exposure Risks in the Built Environment
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a diverse group of chemicals that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. These chemicals can be found in numerous products and materials used to build, furnish, clean, and maintain homes and buildings. They can also be found in a number of personal care products and consumer goods where they can become airborne pollutants. Exposure to elevated ...
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BLS Releases Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and Industrial Hygiene and Safety Resources to Protect Workers
In December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published its annual National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. This latest report covers data from 2022 and tragically shows a one-year increase in fatal work injuries of 5.7 percent. There were 5,486 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States for 2022, an increase from the 5,190 in 2021. The fatal work injury rate was 3.7 ...
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Proposal to Replace All Lead Service Lines within a Decade Announced by EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a proposal to strengthen its Lead and Copper Rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. The agency is also proposing additional improvements to protect public health, such as lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols utilized by water systems. ...
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Pesticides and Protecting Building Occupants in Puerto Rico from Exposure Hazards
Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill or control pests. In addition to insects and rodents, these pests can include bacteria, fungi and other organisms. With regards to pesticide use and indoor air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares information from a study that found 75% of U.S. households used at least one pesticide product indoors during the past year. ...
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Ringworm Exposure Risks Discussed in New Online Video
The IAQ Video Network and Cochrane & Associates announced the release of their latest educational video today. Their newest production discusses ringworm, a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. “While there are dozens of different species of fungi that can cause ringworm, the three genera include Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton,” said Paul Cochrane, ...
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Identifying and Mitigating Formaldehyde Exposure Risks in the Built Environment
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen as far back as 1987. In 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined that formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen based on sufficient human and animal inhalation studies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classifies formaldehyde as a human ...
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Infection Control Resources to Protect Building Occupants from Norovirus and Other Pathogens
People of all ages are susceptible to getting infected and sick with norovirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. The agency also warns that infection with one type of norovirus may not protect an individual against other types. Norovirus is very contagious and spreads ...
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Fatal Occupational Injuries Report Released by BLS and EHS Resources in Puerto Rico
Last month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published its annual National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. This latest report covers data from 2022 and tragically shows a one-year increase in fatal work injuries of 5.7 percent. For 2022, there were 5,486 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States, an increase from the 5,190 in 2021. The fatal work injury rate was 3.7 ...
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Pesticides and Indoor Air Quality Discussed in New Online Video
The IAQ Video Network and Cochrane & Associates announced the release of their latest educational video today. Their newest production discusses the use of pesticides and how they can have an impact on the air quality of homes, schools, businesses and other indoor environments. “Exposure to pesticides can occur from their use or storage indoors, or due to contaminated soil or dust ...
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Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and EHS Resources to Protect First Responders from Hazardous Substances
Each year, Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month is recognized in January. Both the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report that cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters. The agencies also state that research suggests firefighters are at a higher risk of certain types of cancers when compared to the general population. ...
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Private Sector Workplace Injuries and Illnesses on the Rise
Last month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published its report on employer-reported workplace injuries and illnesses. This most recent report covers the 2-year period of 2021-2022. According to BLS, private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022, up 7.5% from 2021. This increase was driven by the rise in both injuries, up 4.5% to ...
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Mold Exposure Risks and Protecting Building Occupants in Puerto Rico
Exposure to elevated levels of mold in the places where people live, work, go to school or spend time can cause potential health issues for many individuals. This is because mold is known to be an allergen, irritant, asthma trigger, and in some cases, the cause of opportunistic infections or the source of toxic substances known as mycotoxins. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns ...
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Identifying Sources of Particulate Matter to Protect Workers and Building Occupants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently created a new webpage to share information about common sources of indoor particulate matter (PM). The agency reports that it is particularly concerned about tiny particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller as they can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing potentially serious health issues. PM found indoors includes particles ...
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Identifying Mold to Mitigate Exposure Risks in the Built Environment
Mold can be found throughout the environment and it is key part of the ecosystem; however, exposure to elevated levels of mold in the places people live, work, go to school, or spend time can cause potential health issues for some individuals. This is due to the fact that mold is known to be an allergen, irritant, asthma trigger, and in some cases, the cause of opportunistic infections or the ...
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Vapor Intrusion and Indoor Air Quality Discussed in New Online Video
The IAQ Video Network and Cochrane & Associates announced the release of their latest educational video today. Their newest production discusses vapor intrusion and how the migration of vapor-forming chemicals from a subsurface source into an overlying building can cause indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns. “Many of the chemicals commonly associated with vapor intrusion can pose a ...
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Hands-On Instrumentation Tutorial on Operating the Particles Plus Water Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) and Summarizing Collected Data
October 5th, 2023 – Particles Plus, a leading manufacturer of particle counters and environmental sensors, participated in the American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR) Annual Conference held October 2-6, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. Sotirios Papathanasiou presented a “Hands-On Instrumentation Tutorial on Operating the Particles Plus Water Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) and ...
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wedge wire ss false bottom supplier
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Safety Resources to Protect Workers from Combustible Dust Hazards and Other Airborne Risks
Earlier this year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP). The original Combustible Dust NEP was issued in 2007, following a number of combustible dust incidents that resulted in fatalities, serious injuries, and property destruction. The purpose of the revised NEP is to continue OSHA inspections of facilities ...
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