Environmental Health and Safety - Articles - Page 174

EPA urged to improve EtO monitoring nationwide

March 15, 2019

Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a common, highly hazardous industrial chemical linked to breast cancer and immune system cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemia (see EPA IRIS Exec Summary, Dec 2016). Concerned community members in Illinois made it a 2018 campaign issue after two federal agencies released studies showing elevated cancer risks outside Chicago.

Ill. facility temporarily shuts down after ethylene oxide exposures

March 15, 2019

After the temporary shutdown of the Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook (IL), La Grange trustees say they will continue to actively participate in efforts to protect public health. The Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook, suspended operations after the Feb. 15 issuance of a seal order from the Illinois EPA. The seal came after the facility’s refusal to voluntarily shut down after the EPA released a report that reflected elevated levels of ethaline-oxide in the surrounding area of the facility.

occupational carcinogens, fear of cancer

Managing fear of carcinogens

Emotional distress can burden your workplace

Dan Markiewicz MS, CIH, CSP, RMP

March 15, 2019

In 2019, 1,762,450 new cancer cases and 606,880 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States1. It is statistically improbable for someone in America not to know someone close who had or has cancer.

Hi-Visibility garments continue to evolve

We’ve seen the popularity of lighter, more flexible and breathable segmented trim, and more enhanced visibility by integrating LED luminescence directly on the trim.

Anthony Di Giovanni

March 14, 2019

While we tend to think only in terms of the visibility factor, it is important to remember that the latest ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 standard covers both basic design and performance of high visibility in work garments.

3 workers develop lung disease; company cited

March 13, 2019

OSHA has cited Nemak USA Inc. – based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin – for exposing workers to metalworking fluids used on aluminum after three employees were diagnosed with occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a debilitating lung disease. The company faces penalties of $26,520 for two serious health violations, the maximum penalty allowed by law.

Camfil APC’s new Quad Pulse Package 2 dust collector for chemical processing facilities increases filtration capacity with two main cartridges

March 13, 2019

Chemical processing facilities that produce high concentrations of fine, hazardous, combustible and nuisance dust need an industrial dust collector that is cost effective to operate and easy to maintain on the plant floor. The Quad Pulse Package 2 (QPP2) dust collector from Camfil Air Pollution Control (APC) has two main filter cartridges designed for 590-1765 cubic-feet-per-minute air volumes to increase filtration capacity.

Experts warn proposed budget cuts would harm nation's public health

Slashing funds for programs "kicks the can of worsening American health down the road"

March 12, 2019

Public health experts are warning that the funding cuts outlined in President Trump’s fiscal year 2020 budget request would weaken the nation’s ability to tackle health problems. “In a time where life expectancy is falling, our leadership should be investing in better health, not cutting federal health budgets,” said Georges Benjamin, MD, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

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Understanding direct and indirect costs of machinery accidents

Carrie Halle

March 11, 2019

Insurance studies indicate machine safeguarding provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to reduce bottom-line operating costs by eliminating both the direct and indirect costs of employee accidents.

Rockford Systems lifts curtain on newly expanded training center for machine safety training

New NFPA 70E electrical safety seminar starts in August

March 11, 2019

Rockford Systems, LLC., a premier provider of machine safeguarding products and services, is celebrating the opening of its multi-purpose Training Center located within the company's new headquarters in Rockford, IL. Launched in response to growing demand for the company's popular machine safeguarding seminars, the new space will support education and training for safety professionals, plant managers and machine operators.

Protective flooring preventing slips, trips and falls

Is the flooring in your building entrance safe?

Protective flooring can create safer spaces by preventing slips, trips and falls and improving the air quality of the building.

Ty Dawson, PhD

March 11, 2019

Most Americans spend close to 90 percent of their time indoors, so creating environments that are safer, cleaner and built with wellness in mind is more important than ever. But finding solutions that prove a real return on investment and offer true safety benefits to the public can be difficult.