miércoles, 3 de diciembre de 2014

NIOSH eNews - December, 2014

NIOSH eNews - December, 2014

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From the Director’s Desk

John Howard, M.D., Director, NIOSH

NIOSH Asks eNews Readers for Feedback

The NIOSH monthly newsletter, eNews, made its debut in May 2003. Now, just over 11 years later, eNews seeks each month to continue fulfilling its original goal: to inform our stakeholders of new NIOSH products, events, accomplishments, partnerships, programs, policies, and priorities in a concise, timely, and engaging format.

Our introduction of eNews those 11 years ago was predicated on a very simple fact of communication in the age of the Internet. Electronic publishing freed us from the high costs, intensive staff resources, and significant commitments of time required for publishing a monthly newsletter on paper. Moreover, thanks to hyperlinks, we could keep news items short and to the point for busy readers, providing links to the original electronic resources for those who wanted further details.

I am pleased that eNews has found a receptive and growing audience of more than 54,000 readers. We want to continue that growth by retaining your interest and adding other readers who may be joining us for the first time. In order to do that, we need to be sure that we continue to deliver information in a format, style, and channel that keeps up with changing times.

NIOSH Launches Training for Emergency Responders to Reduce Risks Associated with Fatigue due to Long Work Hours

NIOSH’s new interim training program is for emergency workers who deploy to disaster sites caused by weather, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events likeEbola. The 30-minute online training is for workers and their managers to help them better cope with the demands of these emergency operations. Emergency responders in healthcare, public safety, utilities, construction, humanitarian aid, and clean-up services can learn strategies to reduce risks that are linked to working long hours. To learn more and take this training, go tohttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emres/longhourstraining/.

NIOSH Highlights Research at American Public Health Association Meeting

NIOSH participated in the 142nd annual meeting of the American Public Health Association November 15–19 in New Orleans. For more details about NIOSH and partner presentations, go to http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-11-14-14.html.

NIOSH Receives Funding from CDC Office of Preparedness and Response

NIOSH recently received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response for fiscal year 2015 for the following projects:

  • NIOSH Recommendations for Sensor Technologies in Response Efforts
  • Use of a Novel Fluorescence Instrument to Biomonitor Worker Exposure and Assess Environmental Contamination by Aromatic Hydrocarbons (AH) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
  • Airborne Pathogen Exposure and Deposition Patterns for Event Response and Management in Aircraft
  • Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance (ERHMS) Software Development and User Training
  • Development of Occupational Exposure Banding e-tools and Instructional Materials for Responders
Contact Renee Funk at rjf8@cdc.gov for more information.

Models to Breathe By—Engineering Controls Silica Advisory Group Develops Specifications

Recently, the CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training/NIOSH Engineering Controls workgroup released model silica specifications (http://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/publications/CPWR%20Model%20Silica%20Specifications-2014.pdf) for protecting workers from inhaling silica-containing dust while grinding, cutting, and sawing masonry during construction operations. The document is for builders, supervisory personnel, and other professionals responsible for implementation or governmental oversight of safety and health, environmental standards, and building codes.

Broad Agency Announcement for Development and Demonstration of Mine Safety and Health Technology

The NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research is soliciting concept papers to conduct research, explore development, undertake rigorous testing, or evaluate or adapt technologies to improve mine safety in the following six areas: remote detectors for methane gas; intrinsically safe absolute pressure sensors for mine atmosphere; economically viable stopping/door systems for built-in-place refuge alternatives; permissible, non-invasive rock property tools; compact, high-capacity dust collectors; and reduced-noise fans for use in underground mines. The estimated amount of awards is $200,000–$300,000, with a ceiling of $650,000. The deadline is January 12, 2015. For more information and to apply, go tohttps://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c9bd1fc4aeebc300480fd9d2563b1e7a&tab=core&_cview=0.

In Memoriam CAPT David Conover

NIOSH was saddened to learn that CAPT David Conover, Ph.D., passed away November 16 at age 69. Dave completed a 30-year career as a commissioned officer in the Public Health Service in 2001 after spending the last 28 years with NIOSH. For decades, he was the leading NIOSH researcher and an internationally recognized expert in the measurement of radio-frequency (RF) radiation exposures in complex, real-world environments. Nearly all present-day RF measurement devices are derivatives of instruments he developed. Following his retirement in 2001, he continued to assist NIOSH researchers in field studies of radiation exposure for a number of years.

Retirement of NIOSH’s Lawrence Foster

Lawrence (Larry) Q. Foster of NIOSH is retiring on December 3, with just over 40 years total service to the U.S. government as both a soldier and a civilian. Larry has performed a number of duties during his time at NIOSH. Most recently, he worked in the NIOSH Education and Information Division where he used his editorial skills as well as literature-searching skills to assist researchers in more depth and detail. Thank you Larry for your service!

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