Workplace Exposures

OSHA has issued a long-awaited final rule lowering occupational exposure limits for beryllium, a lightweight metal used in various industries. Supporters of the rule say it's the result of an innovative collaboration between industry and labor.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing bans on certain uses of the chemicals trichloroethylene and methylene chloride, and is asking for input on whether to restrict use of N-Methylpyrrolidone, also known as NMP.

Villejuif, France – Occupational exposure to chlorinated solvents perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene may increase the risk of head and neck cancer in women, according to a study published online Jan. 9 in the journal BMJ Open.

St. Louis – Prolonged exposure to fumes from the chemical element manganese may put welders at risk for developing symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study from the Washington University School of Medicine.

Washington – Two nonprofit groups have filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration for “failure to protect” salon workers and consumers from hair straightening treatments containing formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen and allergen.

Atlanta – As many as 2.7 million U.S. workers may have asthma caused or aggravated by workplace conditions, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington – Certified workers who apply “restricted use” pesticides must be at least 18 years old and have their certification renewed every five years, according to updated standards finalized Dec. 12 by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles garment manufacturing industry – the nation’s largest cut-and-sew apparel base – is “plagued by workplace violations and marked by a lack of worker protections,” according to a new report released by the Garment Worker Center, the UCLA Labor Center and UCLA Labor Occupational Safety and Health.

Atlanta – A radiology practice in eastern Kentucky diagnosed 60 current or former coal miners with progressive massive fibrosis – the most severe case of black lung disease – between January 2015 and August 2016, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to ban certain uses of the chemical trichloroethylene because of health risks associated with the toxic chemical when used as a degreaser and spot removal agent in dry cleaning.