Continuing the momentum fueled by X Prize Foundation creator Dr. Peter H. Diamandis' headlining presentation on Monday, June 1, AIHce 2009 keynote speakers Edward L. Quevedo, J.D., and Kristen Kulinowski, Ph.D., will share their expertise from the Toronto Convention Centre's main stage Tuesday and Wednesday, June 2-3, respectively.
Celebrating 70 years of being the largest annual gathering of industrial hygienists, AIHce organizers have upped the educational ante for the 2009 version of the event, taking place in Toronto, May 30-June 4. Not only will an unprecedented five types of certification maintenance options be offered, but new electronic features will be available for the majority of pre-conference professional development courses (PDCs).
The last time the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists held their annual conference and exposition in Toronto—for AIHce 1999—most American participants did not have to worry about remembering to pack their passport just to attend the show and return home without a hassle. This year, they do.
It has been 10 years since the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists last held their annual conference and exposition in Toronto, but in honor of the 70th anniversary of the event, the show returns to this "City of Creativity" at the end of the month. Appropriately, the theme for AIHce 2009, happening May 30 through June 4 at the Toronto Convention Centre, is "Discoveries Beyond Borders."
How can industrial hygienists begin to use some of the energy, inspiration, and creative thinking described in Dr. Peter Diamandis' opening session and apply it to longstanding challenges faced by the profession?
A special, day-long set of panels on improving working conditions in global supply chains will be held on Tuesday, June 2, at AIHce 2009 in Toronto.
"OSHA's process safety management regulations are designed to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards associated with the catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's area office in Avenel, N.J., which conducted the investigation.
The recent H1N1 influenza epidemic has raised many questions about how animal viruses move to human populations. One potential route is through veterinarians, who, according to a new report by University of Iowa College of Public Health researchers, are at markedly increased risk of infection with zoonotic pathogens--the viruses and bacteria that can infect both animals and humans.
President Obama has chosen Dr. Thomas Frieden, commissioner of New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for seven years, to replace Julie Gerberding atop CDC, according to news reports today.
This year's awards recognize research that made ambulances safer for EMS workers and passengers and also EMS protective clothing recommendations used in the 2008 edition of the NFPA 1999 standard.
A secondhand smoke Health Hazard Evaluation triggered by confidential requests from non-poker dealers at Bally's, Paris, and Caesars Palace casinos found evidence of exposure to a known carcinogen from tobacco smoke, based on measurable levels in their urine.
Recipient Erik P. Delaney, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who specializes in EH&S, hazmat, and safety management, "has distinguished himself by the breadth and depth of his knowledge regarding the management of hazardous materials, and through the professionalism he exhibits in dealing with the public, his co-workers, and other industry professionals," said IHMM Board of Directors Chair Elizabeth Pfeiffer.
The manufacture of PCBs was banned in 1979. "These federal rules are intended to protect human health and the environment from risks posed by these toxic chemicals," said Daniel Duncan, EPA's regional PCB program coordinator in Seattle.
Filed April 28, the petition says OSHA has acknowledged both the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for crystalline silica and OSHA’s abrasive blasting standard (29 CFR 1910.94) are "seriously outdated."
"Accurate information is essential for the federal government and the State of Oklahoma to assure good drinking water for the public," said Warren Amburn, special agent in charge of EPA's criminal enforcement program in Dallas. "Individuals who submit false reports or bogus data undermine those efforts and they will be vigorously pursued."
The Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.
Naming two nominees today, the president announced he wants CPSC to have five commissioners rather than the current three. The National Association of Manufacturers said it hopes the nominees will reform the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which affects ATVs and other consumer products.
"There's a common misconception about who's at risk. Many people think that occupations like miners and chemical workers are at high risk. But in fact, hairdressers, dental hygienists, industrial bakers and even teachers are at risk, too," said Dr. Susan Tarlo, a respirologist at the University of Toronto and a spokesperson for the Ontario Lung Association for World Asthma Day (May 5).
"Planning for pandemic influenza is critical, and the business community must not delay in considering the impact of a pandemic and to adjust their company's employee health and safety plans accordingly," says AIHA President Lindsey Booher, CIH, CSP.
The facility, which uses the latest technology to research and develop new steel production, processes, and methods, sometimes while working in high-temperature and gaseous environments, was honored for maintaining high employee health and safety standards.