viernes, 5 de febrero de 2016

NIOSH eNews - February, 2016

NIOSH eNews - February, 2016

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In This Issue



From the Director’s Desk

John Howard, M.D., Director, NIOSH

What Do Coffee Processing Facilities Have To Do With Lung Disease?

Obliterative bronchiolitis sounds daunting, and it is. It is a severe, irreversible lung disease that occurs when the smallest airways (called bronchioles) in the lungs become scarred and constricted, blocking air movement. This can result in cough, shortness of breath during daily activities, and sometimes wheezing. Work-related obliterative bronchiolitis has been identified in employees in flavoring manufacturing facilities and microwave popcorn facilities where the flavoring chemical diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) or butter flavorings containing diacetyl were used. The chemical 2,3-pentanedione is similar to diacetyl, and it is sometimes used in place of diacetyl in the manufacture of flavorings.

Bill Reauthorizes WTC Health Program

On December 18, 2015, President Obama signed into law a bill reauthorizing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. This includes reauthorization of the World Trade Center Health Program for 75 years, ending in 2090. Read a statement from the World Trade Center Health Program administrator, John Howard, M.D.

NIOSH Ladder Safety App Now Includes Step Ladders

Climbing for work? NIOSH’s award-winning Ladder Safety app, first released in 2013 to provide user-friendly guides and interactive tools for extension ladder selection and safe use, now includes step ladder safety resources and other enhancements based on user input. Download the free app, available in English and Spanish (adaptive to which language is set on your device), for iPhone/iPad orAndroid. Visit the NIOSH Ladder Safety Mobile Application website to learn more.

NIOSH Announces New Leadership for Spokane Mining Research Division

NIOSH has appointed Dr. Eric A. Lutz as director of its new Spokane Mining Research Division, part of the NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR). In his new role, Dr. Lutz will provide oversight, guidance, and direction to research personnel, and he will support NIOSH’s cutting-edge health and safety research that focuses on the mining community. He will help guide the translation of research results into practice to ultimately protect the health and improve the lives of miners and mining communities.

NIOSH Announces New Leadership for Western States Division

NIOSH recently announced the leadership team for the new Western States Division:

  • Max Kiefer will serve as the interim director of the new Western States Division until a permanent director can be named.
  • CAPT Jennifer Lincoln has been selected as the Western States Division’s associate director for science.
  • Kara Perritt will serve as the interim deputy director until the Western States Division deputy director position can be posted and permanent deputy director selected.

First CCER Approved under New Standard

On January 4, NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) approved the first large-capacity closed-circuit escape respirator (CCER) under new standards published in 42 CFR Part 84, Subpart O. Additional information, including the status of CCERs approved under Subpart H, is available on theNIOSH NPPTL website.

NIOSH Hosts Earl Dotter Exhibit

NIOSH’s Morgantown, West Virginia, facility and Cincinnati, Ohio, Alice Hamilton Laboratory were honored to host a recent photography exhibit for employees. The occupational health photography exhibit was created by the influential American photographer Earl Dotter. “Badges: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers,” included personal remarks by Mr. Dotter. The exhibit, which was sponsored by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, illustrates the history and lasting impacts of asbestos exposure among American workers. Mr. Dotter explained the exhibit. “My goal in creating this exhibit is not to just touch viewers who are already sympathetic to the overwhelming number of tragedies faced by asbestos victims and their families, but to command the attention of newer generations, who might forget them today,” he said. Mr. Dotter is pleased to announce that next on the agenda is a showing at the 12th Annual Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Conference (ADAO), April 8–10, Washington, DC, and then at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce) annual meeting on May 21–26 in Baltimore, MD.

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