Occupational Illnesses

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration will “engage in limited rulemaking to reconsider” portions of a final rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica that’s being challenged in ongoing litigation.

Los Angeles — Exposure to a common chemical used in dry cleaning and certain consumer products may increase the risk for severe liver issues, researchers are cautioning.

National Harbor, MD — A new policy adopted by the American Medical Association is aimed at bolstering protections for health care workers who are exposed to ionizing radiation.

College Station, TX — The vast majority of astronauts on the International Space Station battle sinus problems and congestion, which can compromise sleep quality and decision-making, a recent study shows.

Silver Spring, MD — “What if we actually had a ‘magic pill’ that could prevent dementia? We do,” a University of Maryland researcher claimed during a Nov. 13 webinar hosted by CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Storrs, CT — The University of Connecticut’s Korey Stringer Institute recently opened a research center dedicated to studying how extreme heat affects workers.

Portland, OR — In response to seven worker deaths caused by heat-related illnesses in the state over a recent 11-year period, the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences has issued a hazard alert.

Montreal — A recent study of apprentice welders revealed a “significant increase” in metal levels in urine, nail and hair samples taken over the duration of their three-module training program.

Carson City, NV — The Nevada Division of Industrial Relations and Nevada OSHA have updated their heat illness dashboard to include data on the state’s newly implemented heat rule.

Bootle, England — More than 75% of workers exposed to hazardous noise on the job lack essential knowledge about checking hearing protection for damage or reporting faulty equipment to their employers, a recent inspection campaign has revealed.