Made in the USA
Each year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases its list of Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards. Since FY 2010, their Respiratory Protection Standard (1910.134) has consistently ranked fourth on this list with violations totaling more than 17,000. In an October article from ISHN.com, author Dave Johnson stated that OSHA penalized employers $1,746,465… Learn More
Category: Health Risks & Safety
Read Content that is centered Health Risks & Safety and how it can be an integral part of your health, environment, and application’s longevity.
Respiratory Engineering Controls for Isoflurane Anesthesia
It is a common practice for animal science and research facilities to use lab rodents for conducting studies, surgeries and instructional lessons. According to the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 ― while rodents are not covered under the protection of the Act ― research institutions are required to establish an Institutional Animal Care and Use… Learn More
Respiratory Hazards of Aluminum Welding
With increasing pressure from federal fuel efficiency standards and consumer demand for vehicles with higher miles per gallon ratings, motor companies are looking for ways to “reinvent the wheel”. In response to this demand, Ford Motor Company unveiled their new 2015 aluminum-bodied F-150 pickup truck (pictured to the left). By replacing the existing steel body… Learn More
Controlling Styrene Fume Exposure in the Manufacturing Sector
Styrene is a group of substances known as the volatile organic compounds and is a critical component to a multitude of products. Styrene enables manufactured products to deliver highly sought after benefits, including strength, durability, comfort and safety. Common uses of styrene include: Rigid food and drink storage containers Appliance housings Automobile body parts Wind… Learn More
New National Emphasis Program focuses on reducing isocyanate exposure
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently developed a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to focus on workplace health issues derived from occupational exposure to isocyanate. Isocyanates are compounds containing the isocyanate group (-NCO); a highly reactive, low molecular weight family of chemicals. They react with compounds containing alcohol (hydroxyl) groups to produce polyurethane polymers…. Learn More
Fluorine: Hazardous effects from a single atom
Fluorine [floo r-een], commonly misspelled as “flourine”, is a poisonous pale yellow odorous element found in the Halogen Group of elements of the periodic table. Fluorine is one of the most reactive elements known; it reacts violently with water yielding flammable O2 and corrosive and toxic hydrofluoric acid. Periodic Table of Elements: Fluorine Hydrofluoric acid… Learn More
The Hazards of Spray Paint Fumes
Everyone knows that the inhalation of spray paint fumes has negative effects on your health, but just how hazardous are they? What is in Spray Paint? Many standard professional-grade spray paints contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals, some of which… Learn More
Silica health risks go beyond the oilfields
Silica, hydraulic fracking in the news Crystalline silica in the work place is in the news this month because investigation by public health officials indicates it may be a health hazard for workers involved in hydraulic fracturing [fracking]. OSHA hopes to issue new silica regulations this spring. [1] Silica is found in soils, rocks and… Learn More
Reducing Exposure to Hazardous Organic Solvents
When working with organic solvents, laboratory professionals should utilize engineering controls such as fume hoods and fume extractors to help protect themselves from hazardous exposure. Depending on the solvent, health side effects from exposure can result in life-long harm or conditions. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the “health hazards associated with… Learn More
Indoor Air Dangers, Simple Solutions to a Serious Issue
The following article is by Contributing Author Allie Locke from MesotheliomaSymptoms.com — The vast number of medical concerns that continue to emerge today, including immune system disorders, neurological issues, and multiple chemical sensitivities, indicate that indoor air quality remains a major health concern. Startlingly, indoor air often contains more toxins than outdoor environments. Furthermore, some… Learn More