Category:

Coffee Workers at Risk for Lung Disease

Obliterative bronchiolitis, an irreversible form of lung disease in which the smallest airways in the lung (the bronchioles) become scarred and constricted, blocking the movement of air, was previously identified in flavoring manufacturing workers and microwave popcorn workers who were occupationally exposed to diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) or butter flavorings containing diacetyl. Now, NIOSH research finds Read More >

January 25, 2016 by Rachel L. Bailey, DO, MPH; Ryan F. LeBouf, PhD, CIH; and Kristin J. Cummings, MD, MPH 11 Comments

Chemicals, Food Service, Respiratory Health

New NIOSH Study Supports the OSHA Annual Fit Testing Requirements for Filtering Facepiece Respirators

Results of a recently completed NIOSH study confirm the necessity of the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) respirator fit testing requirement, both annually and when physical changes have occurred. The study’s conclusions emphasize that respirator users who have lost more than 20 pounds should be re-tested to be sure that the current Read More >

January 5, 2016 by Ziqing Zhuang, PhD; Michael Bergman, MS; and Jaclyn Krah, MA14 Comments

Respirators