In December 2007, EPA issued a rule requiring reductions in air toxic emissions from auto body shops that use spray application to paint cars or that use paint strippers containing a toxic substance called methylene chloride. Existing shops must comply with the rule by January 2011; new shops have to comply by 180 days after startup.
The reports include online graphs, trend information on enforcement and compliance in each state, and comparative reports. Data such as compliance monitoring activity, violations discovered, enforcement actions taken, and penalties assessed are available.
Carbon nanotubes are being considered for use in everything from sports equipment to medical applications, but a great deal remains unknown about whether these materials cause respiratory or other health problems.
I'm fortunate to practice industrial hygiene for an employer with millions of square feet of space, the most aggressive modernization plan in decades, and a talented group of leaders, facility managers, engineers, technicians, and ES&H professionals.
The proposed change to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings, would require them to be installed outside each sleeping area. Comments are due by Oct. 26.
"Work-related respiratory symptoms in hospital workers may be associated with diverse biological contaminants," the researchres concluded.
The responsibility of today's maintenance and engineering managers to maintain a clean indoor air environment has increased markedly in recent decades.
This recall affects Buderus gas-fired, floor-standing boilers sold by plumbing and heating wholesale distributors to plumbing and heating contractors nationwide from April 2008 through February 2009 for between $12,000 and $24,000 installed.
The serious violations OSHA unearthed related to inadequate process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals, lack of emergency preparedness and response procedures, and poor respiratory protection for workers.
A panel presentation and discussion on "The State of the Granite Debate," focusing on the issue of radon and radioactivity from granite countertop materials, will be part of AARST's 21st International Radon Symposium next week.
Imagine a polka-dotted, postage stamp-sized sensor that can sniff out some known poisonous gases and toxins and show the results simply by changing colors.
Ethylene oxide exposure levels and monitoring requirements are addressed in OSHA's recently published Small Business Guide for Ethylene Oxide. The guidance document helps employers understand the ethylene oxide (EtO) standard and explains how to monitor the air quality in workplaces where EtO is processed, used, or handled.
"It is especially heartening that given today's economy, ASHRAE chapters and members as well as industry companies continue to see the value of supporting our research program," said Gordon Holness, president of the society.
In addition, EPA alleges the manufacturer violated notification and recordkeeping requirements and requirements to continuously monitor emissions from its boilers.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule to revise existing requirements to approve sampling devices that monitor miner exposure to respirable coal mine dust.
Three short videos shot at this year's ASSE expo showcase a new wipe that removes lead particles from the skin and is disposed without harming the environment, a service that provides gas monitor maintenance and data analysis to end users, and a training company's array of solutions for customers around the world.
The Illinois facility was storing chlorine and diesel fuel over the minimum threshold level and failed to provide emergency and hazardous chemical inventory forms to state and local authorities, EPA said.
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.
"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).
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis recently announced that OSHA will convene a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) panel May 5 on a draft proposed rule on occupational exposure to diacetyl and food flavorings containing diacetyl.