Workplace Exposures

Washington – A rule that aims to reduce miner exposure to harmful coal dust went into effect Aug. 1.

Aberystwyth, U.K. – Fist-bumping transmits significantly fewer bacteria between people than either handshaking or high-fiving, according to a recent study from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University.

Washington – The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is considering changes to its radiation protection regulations.

Atlanta – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a publication that focuses on infertility issues, including the role of workplace exposures, in men and women.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has reissued a warning to home improvement contractors and air-conditioning technicians about using flammable refrigerants.

Washington – Coal miners seeking benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act wait hundreds of days for their cases to be heard, despite government efforts to speed up the process, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) claimed during a July 22 hearing of the Senate Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has identified health risks from exposure to the chemical compound trichloroethylene and is calling on Congress to pass stronger federal toxics laws.

Pomona, CA – Workers and employers have different perceptions of noise levels in their workplaces, according to the results of a new survey.

Philadelphia – Women who work with organic solvents before their first full-term birth may be at an increased risk for breast cancer, concludes a study from the epidemiology branch of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Lund, Sweden – The levels of certain carcinogens in hairdressers’ blood may be linked to how often they use permanent dyes and perming treatments on clients’ hair, according to a study from Lund University.