Workplace Exposures

Menomenee Falls, WI — Although handwashing has become more common during cold and flu season, nearly 4 out of 5 people who were part of a recent survey say they’ve seen others leaving public restrooms without washing.

Gainesville, FL — Heatstroke can lead to long-term organ damage and obesity, results of a recent study suggest.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comment on a proposed rule requiring respiratory protection and cleaning plans to help reduce worker exposure to the chemical substance Pigment Violet 29.

Washington — Some drugs used to treat cancer and other conditions can be hazardous to workers who are exposed to them. NIOSH recently updated its tool intended to help health care workers and employers identify which routinely handled drugs are considered hazardous.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is taking several actions, including a partial ban, to protect workers against exposure to ethylene oxide, under a new interim registration review decision.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency says formaldehyde poses “unreasonable risk” in some work situations and requires the agency to “initiate risk management actions,” although a trade association that represents chemical manufacturers disagrees.

Washington — The health risks and symptoms of exposure to jet fuel are the focus of a new report recently sent to Congress by the Veterans Administration’s Health Outcomes Military Exposures service.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency won’t regulate the manufacture, processing and distribution of lead wheel weights, citing “extremely low risk” of lead exposure and an ongoing phaseout of the equipment.

Quincy, MA — A newly funded research project will investigate how chemical exposures from lithium-ion battery fires affect firefighters’ personal protective equipment.

Washington — OSHA’s proposed rule on infectious diseases in “health care and other high-risk environments” is among the potential regulations listed as “withdrawn” on the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website.