Pollution Exposure News
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Forecasting the Hottest Summer Yet: A Look at the Farmer’s Almanac 2024 Prediction
As summer approaches, anticipation mounts for those who relish the warmth of the sun. However, if the Farmer’s Almanac’s forecast for 2024 is anything to go by, this summer might just be one for the record books, promising scorching temperatures and the potential for thunderstorms across various regions of the United States. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, 2024 is predicted ...
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ADAO Applauds U.S. Senate for Establishing the 19th Annual “National Asbestos Awareness Week”
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an independent nonprofit dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure through education, advocacy, and community work, applauds the U.S. Senate for unanimously declaring April 1-7, 2024 National Asbestos Awareness Week to raise awareness and draw attention to the ongoing manmade asbestos disaster in the United States. The resolution (S.Res. 635) ...
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Global Asbestos Awareness Week and Protecting Building Occupants and Workers in Puerto Rico from Exposure Risks
The 20th Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) takes place this week from April 1st through the 7th. The annual event is meant to raise public awareness of asbestos hazards and diseases that continue to impact people around the globe, and promote ways to prevent exposure to deadly asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a generic name given to six fibrous minerals that have been used in commercial ...
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Global Asbestos Awareness Week and Resources to Protect Building Occupants and Workers
The 20th annual Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) takes place during the first week of April. The week-long campaign was started by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and is designed to educate the public about asbestos hazards to mitigate future exposure risks. Asbestos is a generic name given to six fibrous minerals that have been used in numerous commercial products and building ...
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EPA Lowers Recommended Screening Levels for Lead-Contaminated Soil
Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had lowered recommended screening levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas. As a result of the lower screening levels, EPA also shared that it expects to investigate more residential properties for potential cleanup under the Superfund law and the ...
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New Safety Standards to Protect Communities in Puerto Rico and Nationwide from Chemical Accidents
Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced finalized amendments to the Risk Management Program (RMP) to further protect communities from chemical accidents, especially those located near facilities in industry sectors with high accident rates. The Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule includes EPA’s most protective safety provisions for ...
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Resources to Protect Workers and Communities from Combustible Dust Hazards
Last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP). The original Combustible Dust NEP, issued in 2007, followed 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 that generate ...
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Upcoming Changes to Benzene Workplace Exposure Limits
Are you prepared for upcoming benzene workplace exposure limit (WEL) changes? In an effort to reduce acute and chronic illness caused by exposure to harmful substances, many governing bodies are making changes to workplace exposure limits (WELs). WELs have been key in protecting the lives of workers, and with the upcoming limit changes, it shows we are heading in the right direction ...
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Building Occupant and Worker Exposures to Elevated Levels of Nitrogen Dioxide in Puerto Rico
Nitrogen dioxide, along with nitric oxide, are the two most prevalent oxides of nitrogen according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Both are toxic gases with nitrogen dioxide being a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive. Nitrogen dioxide is also one of the indoor pollutants frequently listed by health authorities as a possible exposure concern in the built environment. ...
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Protecting Building Occupants and Workers from Nitrogen Dioxide Hazards
The New York State Department of Health lists nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as one of the indoor air pollutants that can have an impact on people’s health. Nitrogen dioxide, along with nitric oxide (NO), are the two most prevalent oxides of nitrogen according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Both are toxic gases with nitrogen dioxide being a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive. ...
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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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OSHA Applies Outside of the U.S. - Navigating Global Workplace Safety Regulations
Workplace safety is a universal concern, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the standard for workplace safety regulations in the United States, many other countries have their own sets of guidelines and regulations tailored to their unique socio-economic and industrial landscapes. Understanding how ...
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A Beginners Guide to Benzene
What is Benzene? Benzene, a hydrocarbon with a chemical formula of C6H6 and a captivating hexagonal ring structure. Boasting a colourless liquid state and a sweet aroma, benzene has long been recognised for its unique aromatic stability, making it a cornerstone of organic chemistry. Beyond its aesthetic and chemical allure, benzene plays a pivotal role in various industrial ...
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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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EPA Proposes All Lead Service Lines Be Replaced within Ten Years
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed strengthening its Lead and Copper Rule to require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within a decade. EPA is also proposing additional changes to protect public health. These include lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols utilized by water systems. The proposed Lead and Copper ...
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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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Asphalt Production and Benzene Exposure
In the early stages of the production of asphalt, managing exposure and minimising risk is critical for worker safety. The prevalence of asphalt (commonly known as bitumen) in our surroundings, often stemming from the construction industry is widespread – spanning roads, pavements, buildings, and contributing to a vast global asphalt market. Although ...
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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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Public consultation on the SCCS preliminary Opinion on TiO2
The SCCS primary opinion on TiO2 is now open for consultation until 6th February 2023. The Opinion evaluated several grades of TiO2 used in cosmetic products and considers that the current evidence is not sufficient to rule out genotoxicity with the exception of RM09 and RM11. Since SCCS focuses on dermal and oral mucosa exposure due to the expected use of TiO2 in cosmetics (toothpaste and ...
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