Respiratory Conditions

St. Louis — A federal appellate court’s denial of a United Steelworkers and United Mine Workers of America petition to defend rulemaking on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica is “profoundly disheartening,” union officials say.

Washington — Workers in certain industries and occupations may have an elevated risk of death from the progressive lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has scheduled several meetings to “provide information and answer questions” ahead of the fast-approaching compliance date for its final rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Bootle, England — The United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive has published new guidance intended to prevent silica dust exposure among workers who cut or work with engineered stone countertops.

Melbourne, Australia — Cases of silicosis among workers in Australia’s stone countertop industry spiked over a recent eight-year period, according to researchers from Monash University.

Washington — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued updated interim guidance on protecting workers from exposure to bird flu to include employees at zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, fur farms, aquariums and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

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 — OSHA is no longer enforcing its COVID-19 recordkeeping and reporting requirements, the agency announced in a Feb. 5 memo.

Salem, OR — Avoiding unprotected direct or close physical contact with sick/dead animals and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment are two key ways workers can limit their risk of contracting bird flu.

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.