Category: Exposure
Exposure Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Refined Coal Tar Sealant Applications
Coal tar sealants are applied as a protective coating for paved surfaces. Many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are found in these sealants. Several of these PAHs are known or suspected to cause, or increase the risk of developing cancer, but to date there has been no published research on workplace exposures to coal-tar-based sealant. Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentOccupational Exposure Banding and Workplace Chemicals
For workers in a variety of industries, exposure to chemicals is commonplace. American workers handle, transport, or encounter thousands of chemicals every day, from cleaning products to industrial solvents. Although many of these chemicals have important uses, they can also be harmful to workers who are exposed to them. Occupational exposure limits (OELs) are developed Read More >
Posted on by 1 CommentHelp Us Redesign the NIOSH Pocket Guide
The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2018. The guide continues to be the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) most popular document. It provides descriptive information such as recommendations for exposure limits, protective clothing, and first aid measures for 677 chemicals commonly found in the work Read More >
Posted on by 77 CommentsThe Art and Science of OELs for Nanomaterials
This guest blog post from our Finnish colleagues summarizes the challenges of identifying OELs for new nanomaterials as part of the development of a WHO guideline for working safely with nanomaterials. Engineered nanomaterials are fascinating. Just by making stuff smaller researchers have discovered forms of materials and even completely new materials that can be Read More >
Posted on by 9 CommentsNever fear! NEAT 2.0 is here! – How to perform nanomaterial exposure assessment in the workplace
Please see the Technical Report: Occupational Exposure Sampling for Engineered Nanomaterials released in July 2022. Do you think you might have exposure to nanomaterials in your workplace? Never fear! NEAT 2.0 is here! Engineered nanoparticles are unique. They are generally smaller than both red blood cells and viruses, don’t weigh much, and have a great amount Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentNMAM 5th Edition
Workers in various industries and occupations can face health risks from exposure to airborne chemical and biological agents. These exposures are typically measured by monitoring workplace air. Air monitoring can also be helpful to determine the effectiveness of controls that are used to minimize worker exposures. While inhalation is the most likely route of exposure Read More >
Posted on by 3 CommentsCan Workplace Exposures Increase Risks of Birth Defects? – Epidemiology in Action
Epidemiology is the art and science of using data to answer questions about the health of groups. In occupational epidemiology, we use that data to understand how work affects health. This blog entry is part of a series that shares the stories behind the data. Pregnant and breastfeeding women get a lot of advice from Read More >
Posted on by 8 CommentsA Health and Safety Evaluation at an Airline Catering Facility
The airline industry predicts that more than 24 million people will fly during the Thanksgiving holiday this year. If you are one of those passengers, chances are that you’ll have a snack or a soda on your way to your destination. Before reaching your seat, those snacks, beverages, and meals are prepared, assembled, and Read More >
Posted on by 10 CommentsHelp! What do you want from a mobile Pocket Guide?
Since its first printing in 1978, the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) continues to be the Institute’s most popular document. The NPG provides general descriptive, exposure, and protective and emergency recommendations for 677 chemicals commonly found in the work environment. Workers, employers, and occupational health professionals all use the NPG in the course Read More >
Posted on by 159 CommentsDangers of Bathtub Refinishing
On April 30, 2024, the EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, protecting workers and communities from fatal exposure. The rule requires stronger worker safety requirements for remaining industrial uses. Information on the ban can be found here. At least 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of Read More >
Posted on by 181 CommentsCatching the Flu: NIOSH Research on Airborne Influenza Transmission
As we enter another influenza season, one question continues to vex medical and public health professionals: How do you stop people from catching the flu? The best way to prevent the flu is by getting an influenza vaccine every year. However, in the event of a large-scale influenza outbreak of a new virus strain or Read More >
Posted on by 35 CommentsSafety and Health in the Theater: Keeping Tragedy out of the Comedies…and Musicals…and Dramas
On Sunday, the 2012 Tony Awards celebrated the year’s best offerings from “The Great White Way.” While the theater provides entertainment, the preparation and production of live performances can also pose hazards to those working in all aspects of the theater –from actors on stage to set designers behind the scenes and musicians in the Read More >
Posted on by 37 CommentsHair, Formaldehyde, and Industrial Hygiene
A recent settlement requires the makers of Brazilian Blowout hair straightener to warn consumers and hair stylists about formaldehyde in their products. Read more from guest blogger, Dede Montgomery on how the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology at Oregon Health and Science University worked with their partners to raise awareness of this issue. Read More >
Posted on by 180 CommentsBed Bugs!
Bed Bugs! If you've got them, you don't want them. But be careful. The insecticides used to get rid of bed bugs can cause serious illness. Learn about effective bed bug management (including non-chemical solutions). Read More >
Posted on by 58 CommentsKeeping Workers Hydrated and Cool Despite the Heat
Many areas of the country have been experiencing extreme temperatures this summer, and sadly the news has been full of stories about the lives lost due to heat stroke. Read More >
Posted on by 38 CommentsSkin…Exposed!
Dermal exposures are often given a back seat when chemicals are tested for toxicity or personal protective equipment is designed. However, skin diseases account for 15-20% of all reported occupational diseases in the United States. They result in costs estimated at $1 billion annually. Read More >
Posted on by 18 CommentsH1N1: Protecting Healthcare Workers
As of July 31, 2009, there were 162,380 documented cases of human infection with H1N1 throughout the world, including the United States. As of August 6, 2009, there were 6,506 hospitalized cases and 436 deaths in the U.S. From the time of its emergence earlier this year, H1N1 has prompted a concerted response from health agencies. Read More >
Posted on by 54 CommentsTake Aim at Protecting Yourself
If you work or train regularly at indoor firing ranges, you could be exposed to hazardous levels of lead and noise. An estimated 16,000–18,000 indoor firing ranges operate in the United States. Read More >
Posted on by 68 CommentsMultifaceted Approach to Assess Indoor Environmental Quality
Indoor work environments have changed. However, many questions remain regarding occupational asthma and work-exacerbated asthma and the indoor environment. What are the irritants/sensitizers that cause these diseases? Can they be controlled? What is the actual physiological mechanism? What are the actual exposures in the workplace? Read More >
Posted on by 68 CommentsNail Salon Table Evaluation
NIOSH is requesting that developers, manufacturers, and vendors of vented nail tables (VNTs) submit new, unused, downdraft VNTs for a free evaluation. The NIOSH research will include an evaluation of VNT airflow and capture characteristics, noise level, ergonomic features, and filter life. Results of the research and recommendations from NIOSH will be communicated back to the submitter with the hope of providing valuable information for maximizing the efficiency of VNTs. Read More >
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