Textiles

Sacramento, CA — A new California law aimed at curbing cases of silicosis among workers who cut, grind, polish and drill stone countertops is now in effect.

Washington — Should the stone slab industry be protected from “abusive litigation” or should it substitute engineered stone with a product that creates less silica dust?

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has extended to April 2 the deadline to comment on a draft scope document for the agency’s risk evaluation of vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen.

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.

Sacramento, CA — California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has unanimously approved to make permanent an emergency temporary standard aimed at safeguarding workers who handle engineered stone from silica hazards.

Washington — Protecting workers in the engineered stone industry from exposure to crystalline silica will be the topic of an OSHA webinar scheduled for March 14.

Nanjing, China — A recent study highlighting the expected ties between exposure to cancer-causing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and a risk factor for heart disease could impact workers.

Washington — Employers whose workers use 3D printers in non-industrial settings can take steps to limit employee exposure to emissions from heated filaments, polymers and powders, NIOSH says.

Adopted on Dec. 14, the ETS is set to go into effect Dec. 29.