NIOSH Science Blog

Safer Healthier Workers

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1-BP: A Potential Occupational Hazard

December 8th, 2008 3:30 pm ET - Administrator

In recent years we have seen an increase in the use of the solvent 1-bromopropane (1-BP) as a substitute for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons and other regulated compounds. 1-BP is used in multiple manufacturing processes, including vapor and immersion degreasing operations to clean electronics and metal and as a solvent vehicle in industries using aerosol applied adhesives such as foam cushion manufacturing. In some states, 1-BP is now being used as an alternative solvent within the dry cleaning industry in response to the restricted use of perchloroethylene, which is considered “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

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Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program

Categories: Emergency response, Policy and programs

November 17th, 2008 10:03 am ET - Administrator

Each year an average of 105 fire fighters die in the line of duty. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is committed to preventing future fire fighter fatalities through research and prevention. In 1998 the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (“Fire Fighter Program”) was created to conduct independent investigations of fire fighter line of duty deaths and to formulate recommendations for preventing future deaths and injuries. As NIOSH enters the 10th year of the Fire Fighter Program we are working to better reach small and rural fire departments with the results of our fatality investigation reports and prevention recommendations. We request your assistance in helping us achieve this goal. Please see the questions at the end of this blog and provide your input in the comment section below.

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Diacetyl and Food Flavorings

Categories: Chemicals, Engineering Control, Respiratory health

November 10th, 2008 9:23 am ET - Lauralynn Taylor McKernan, ScD, CIH; Kevin Dunn, MSEE, CIH; Kathleen Kreiss, MD; David N. Weissman, MD

Commercial flavorings used in the flavoring manufacturing and food production industries are often complex mixtures of flavoring chemicals, many of which are volatile, meaning that they evaporate into the air from their liquid or solid form. Diacetyl is a prominent chemical ingredient in butter flavorings and is a component of the vapors coming from these and other flavorings. Inhalation of butter flavoring chemical mixtures, including diacetyl, has been associated with severe obstructive lung disease popularly know as “popcorn lung.” In many symptomatic individuals exposed to flavoring who have undergone lung biopsy, an irreversible type of lung damage called constrictive bronchiolitis has been found. In this condition, the smallest airways carrying air through the lungs, the bronchioles, are scarred and constricted. This can decrease or block air movement through these airways.

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Immigrant Worker Safety and Health

Categories: At-risk populations, Manufacturing

October 27th, 2008 8:37 am ET - Administrator

In the United States, immigrant workers constitute a significant proportion of the workforce. In 2006, 15% of U.S. workers were foreign-born and at least 6.3 million were undocumented. Immigrant workers face a disproportionate risk for workplace injury and illness. This is due to a confluence of factors including an overrepresentation in the most hazardous industries including construction and agriculture. Additionally, workplace safety interventions often do not reach immigrant worker populations due to barriers created by social, cultural, and economic issues including language, literacy, and marginal economic status. Furthermore, immigrant workers often lack knowledge of their rights to workplace safety and are reluctant to pursue these rights.