Respiratory


Gaining on Secondhand Smoke, But Thirdhand Now Feared

This third time is not a charm: Residual nicotine from tobacco smoke that clings to indoor surfaces reacts with the common air pollutant nitrous acid to form dangerous carcinogens.

Inspection at Alabama Plant Finds Amputation Hazards, Bloody Machinery

"Company management was aware of the requirements to establish a lockout program and did not take action," said Kurt Petermeyer, director of OSHA's Mobile (Ala.) Area Office.

Next Pandemic PPE Meeting Set for Feb. 25

The Institute of Medicine committee that is studying research, testing, and certification issues surrounding PPE for health care workers during a flu pandemic is scheduled to meet with NPPTL personnel in Washington, D.C.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency ensures ships in the United Kingdom conform to UK and international safety rules.

Asbestos Rules Coming to UK Merchant, Fishing Fleets

After the Maritime and Coastguard Agency finishes its consultation with stakeholders, regulations could be in effect by Oct. 1 to implement EC Directive 83/477/EEC and protect workers from asbestos exposure.

EPA Proposes New Use Rule for Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes

Anyone intending to manufacture, import, or process them for an activity that is designated as a significant new use would have to notify EPA at least 90 days in advance, giving the agency time to evaluate the intended use and bar it, if necessary.

Waybill Change Would List All TIH Rail Movements

Large freight railroads have submitted random samples of as little as 1 percent of their carloads on waybills sent to the Surface Transportation Board, but the board proposes that all cargoes designated as Toxic Inhalation Hazard be reported.

Stone Countertop Manufacturer Cited for Silica Exposure

An inspection found that the Atlanta-based company also failed to fully implement a hearing conservation program and did not have an established written hazard communication program on exposure to hazardous substances. Proposed fines exceed $135,000.

World Health Day 2010 Theme: Urbanization and Health

1000 Cities, 1000 Lives is the campaign. Cities are being registered now, and WHO says events will be held worldwide April 7-11.



Fish Oil Producer Caught Failing to Report Sulfuric Acid Storage

In addition to paying a $13,166 penalty, the company agreed to provide more than $8,800 for training and equipment to the City of Hoquiam (Wash.) Fire Department to improve the department's capabilities in responding to hazardous materials emergencies.

U.S. Files Major Settlements with Portland Cement, Container Glass Plants

"[T]hese settlements call for tough new controls and innovative technologies to cut down on harmful air emissions that threaten the health of millions of Americans," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

OSHA Booklet Outlines Hexavalent Chromium Standards, Dangers

Requirements for exposure limits, exposure monitoring and determination, protective work clothing and equipment, medical surveillance, communication of hexavalent chromium hazards, and recordkeeping are described.

NIOSH PPT Meeting to Offer PPE Updates

Breakout sessions during the March 2-3 stakeholder meeting in Pittsburgh will detail current research on protective clothing performance and help NIOSH do better at warning end users about counterfeit respirators. Dr. John Howard will be the keynote speaker.

Strong Interest in New ANSI/ASSE Construction Standards

Tim Fisher, ASSE's director of Practices and Standards, said ASSE is developing technical briefs for ANSI/ASSE A10.47-2009, "Work Zone Safety for Highway Construction," and ANSI/ASSE A10.16-2009.

3 Confined Space Deaths Lead to Fines

"Unfortunately, this incident was a classic example of a multiple-fatality event where would-be rescuers are themselves overcome in their attempt to save the initial victim," said Kay Gee, OSHA's area director for Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.

New OSHA Videos Put Respirators, Facemasks in Starring Roles

The videos also explain how workers can perform a user seal check to test whether a respirator is worn properly and will provide the expected level of protection.

EPA: Now Is the Time to Test for Radon

The colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind cigarette smoking, the agency notes.

Short-Term School Closures Don't Control Flu Epidemics

Closing schools for less than two weeks during an influenza epidemic has no effect on infection rates, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, RTI International, and the Allegheny County Health Department.

FAA Accepts Four More Portable Oxygen Concentrators

A final rule effective Wednesday means passengers may bring any of 11 different POCs aboard aircraft and use them, with the approval of the aircraft operator.

The alternative butter flavoring 2,3-pentanedione causes airway epithelial damage similar to the damage caused by diacetyl, according to NIOSH and NIEHS research.

Diacetyl Substitutes Also Harmful

NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard has informed OSHA's assistant secretary that NIOSH and NIEHS research on the alternative butter flavoring 2,3-pentanedione "suggests that, in rats, 2,3-pentanedione causes airway epithelial damage similar to that produced by diacetyl."

USFA Offers Home Heating Safety Tips

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternative home heating sources such as wood burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces. Heating is one of the leading causes of residential fires. Over one-quarter of these fires result from improper maintenance of equipment, specifically the failure to clean the equipment.

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