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Volume 7 Number 3
July 2009
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From the
Director's Desk
--Christine M. Branche, Ph.D., Acting Director, NIOSH
July eNews 2009
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Going Green: Safe and Healthy Jobs
Green jobs—good for the environment, good for the
economy. But are green jobs good for workers? The National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and its partners recently launched the
Going Green: Safe and Healthy Jobs initiative to make sure that green jobs
are good for workers by integrating worker safety and health into "green
jobs" and environmental sustainability.
Green
jobs, which have been defined broadly as jobs that help improve the
environment and enhance sustainability, offer opportunities as well as
challenges for workers. Examples of green jobs include installation and
maintenance of solar panels and generators; construction and maintenance of
wind energy turbines; jobs related to recycling; jobs related to the
manufacture of green products; and jobs where green products are used in
traditional fields such as agriculture, healthcare, and the service sector.
In some instances, the hazards to workers may be similar to those in
established industries. For example, the safety and health issues involved in
building wind turbines may be similar to those for constructing a multistory
building. However, some green and sustainable practices may pose new health
concerns for workers, such as the introduction of “green”
substitutes for cleaning solvents (see NIOSH blog “Multifaceted
Approach to Assess Indoor Environmental Quality” at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb040909_indoorenv.html).
In
developing a green economy in the United States, including efforts such as
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA), new jobs are being created in industries such as energy, utilities, construction, and manufacturing. The new
focus, coupled with the move in the U.S. toward energy efficiency and more
environmentally friendly practices known as environmental sustainability, is
resulting in changes to traditional jobs and the creation of new kinds of
occupations. As we make technological advances in industry, we need to remain
vigilant in protecting workers against emerging hazards. These changes may also
present us with the opportunity to eliminate hazards through planning,
organization, and engineering—a concept known at NIOSH as Prevention through Design (PtD).
As
the Nation acts quickly to train workers for new occupations and new ways of
working, we have unprecedented opportunities:
- to enhance the safety and
health protection of the American workforce.
- to expand and apply our
knowledge in occupational safety and health to new workplaces, processes,
and products being formed each day.
- to ensure the training and
re-training of the workforce that will fill these new jobs include
relevant safety and health information.
An
upcoming event in NIOSH’s new initiative is the Making Green Jobs Safer
workshop, which will be held from December 14 to 16, 2009, in Washington, DC.
The workshop will bring together invited participants and a limited number of
members of the public to help frame the issues around incorporating
occupational safety and health into green and sustainability efforts.
I
invite you to study our suggested framework for considering green jobs and
occupational hazards, presented below. For additional perspectives on making
green jobs safer, please read our forthcoming issue of PtD In Motion,
the newsletter of the Prevention through Design initiative, which will
be posted soon on the Going Green webpage.
I
also invite you to read our current NIOSH Science Blog, in which I further
discuss an important aspect of our initiative—the need to develop a
working definition of green jobs that we can all share. The NIOSH Science
Blog can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/.
For more information, visit the
NIOSH topic page “Going Green: Safe and Healthy Jobs” at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/greenjobs/.
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White House
Chief of Staff Highlights Importance of Teen Job Safety
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The importance of keeping young
workers safe on the job—during the summer employment season and all
year long—was highlighted in a personal anecdote by White House Chief
of Staff Rahm Emanuel in a May 17 commencement address at George Washington
University: "I was working as a meatcutter and sliced my finger deeply
and not being — being 17, went swimming in Lake Michigan, ended up—it
was prom night; that’s a legitimate thing to do—ended up with
five blood infections, two bone infections, gangrene, and a 105 fever, and in
a hospital for two months, and for the first 96 hours I battled between life
and death. ...[W]hat started as a minor mishap turned into a life-threatening
infection." See “Transcript of Rahm Emanuel’s Commencement
address” at http://blogs.gwhatchet.com/newsroom/2009/05/17/transcript-of-rahm-emanuels-commencement-address/.
NIOSH has developed materials that can be used by business, labor, and
educators to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses among youths. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/youth/.
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NIOSH
Scientists, Colleagues Publish Study on Brain Cancers in
Farmers
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An
epidemiological study by NIOSH scientists and colleagues examining the incidence
of brain cancer in farmers was published in the June issue of the American
Journal of Epidemiology. Building on previous research, the study reported on
statistical risks for brain cancer in regard to exposures associated with
certain farm activities. The abstract for the article "Exposure to Farm
Crops, Livestock, and Farm Tasks and Risk of Glioma: The Upper Midwest Health
Study" (Ruder et al. [2009] Am J Epidemiol (169):1479–1491) is
available at http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/169/12/1479.
Additional information on the
Upper Midwest Health Study is available on the NIOSH topic page: Agriculture.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/agriculture/UMHS.html.
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Scientists
Note Importance of Understanding Nano/Bio Interfaces
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An article in the June issue of Nature Materials
explains the importance of studying and understanding nano/bio interfaces, or
the complex biological and biochemical interactions that occur when
nanoparticles first come into contact with the body. With this knowledge,
scientists can better predict potential health effects of nanomaterials and
help guide their safe use. Dr. Vincent Castranova of NIOSH served as a
co-author of the article "Understanding Biophysicochemical Interactions
at the Nano–Bio Interface" (Nel et al. [2009] Nature Materials (8):543–557),
which discusses several types of interactions that can occur, the features of
the interactions, and the potential effects on proteins, membranes, DNA,
cells, and other fundamental components of the body. http://www.nature.com/nmat/journal/v8/n7/full/nmat2442.html.
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Protect Your
Family From Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite
Insulation
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In June 2009, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its determination that a
public health emergency exists at the Libby asbestos site in northwest
Montana, where mining and processing of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite has
lead to extensive contamination and asbestos-related disease in the
community (http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/06/20090617b.html). EPA
is launching a public awareness campaign to notify the public, including individuals
whose jobs routinely put them in attic spaces, about the potential
for vermiculite insulation to be contaminated with asbestos
fibers. A new EPA guidance document, targeted for the general
public, is available at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/verm.html.
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NIOSH Looking
for Facilities to Provide Access for Occupational Safety
and Health Research
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Are
you in the manufacturing or construction industry and concerned about
workplace safety and health? NIOSH's Industry Wide Studies Branch is in need
of partners with facilities willing to provide site access for conducting
exposure assessment studies. Interested companies should contact the listed
scientific contact for more information.
For
2',2'''-dithiobisbenzanilide (CAS# 135-57-9, DTBBA, a plasticizer), contact Steve Wurzelbacher (513-841-4322).
For
2-methoxy-4-nitroaniline (CAS# 97-52-9, 2M4Na, a dye), contact Steve Wurzelbacher (513-841-4322).
For
diacetyl in food production (CAS# 431-03-8), contact Brian Curwin (513-841-4432).
For manganese compounds in welding
fumes, contact Kevin Hanley
(513-841-4113).
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August 1, 2009—Last
Day to Submit “Safe in Sound” Award
Nominations
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NIOSH and the National Hearing
Conservation Association are accepting nominations for the 2010 “Safe
in Sound” award, which is given to companies or organizations that
exemplify excellence in hearing loss prevention. Nominations will be accepted
until August 1, 2009. Additional information and submission details can be
found at http://www.safeinsound.us.
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Meeting
Focuses on Protecting Workers in Agriculture
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Mark your calendars! The Be Safe,
Be Profitable: Protecting Workers in Agriculture Conference will be held
January 27–28, 2010, in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Co-organized by the
Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America and NIOSH, the conference
will unite leaders of agricultural organizations and agribusinesses with
safety practitioners, researchers, producers, and workers. For more
information go to www.ashca.com.
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NIOSH will evaluate a petition to
designate a class of employees from the Norton Company, Worcester,
Massachusetts, for inclusion in the Special Exposure Cohort under the Energy
Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13662.htm.
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Public Meeting
on Proposal to Establish Approval Criteria for Personal Dust Monitor
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NIOSH and the Mine Safety and
Health Administration (MSHA) will hold a public hearing July 8 on a proposal
to establish criteria for the approval of a new type of device, the
continuous personal dust monitor, for use in measuring exposure to respirable
dust in underground coal mines. The device holds promise for advancing
efforts to prevent coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, also known as black
lung disease.
http://www.msha.gov/REGS/FEDREG/PROPOSED/2009Prop/E9-13585.asp.
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Global
Happenings – EPINet Training Available in Spanish
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NIOSH researcher Walter Alarcon
provided on-hands training to 15 epidemiologists, data managers, and
government officials from several institutions of the Ministry of Health,
Ministry of Labor, and the university in Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela, in
the use of EPINet in Spanish. The training is based on a computer program
called EPINet developed by the University of Virginia. NIOSH collaborated in
the review and adaptation of the Spanish version. This two-day training is a
component of the WHO/PAHO/NIOSH/IAES joint project to reduce occupational
exposures to bloodborne pathogens among healthcare workers in Latin America.
An advanced EPINet training is being planned for September 2009 as requested
by the cooperating institutions in Venezuela. Contact Maria Lioce-Mata mliocemata@xxxxxxx for more information.
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CSTE Announces
Approved Position Statements and New
Recommendations
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The Council of State and
Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) approved position statements on lead (09-OH-02),
acute pesticide poisoning (09-OH-01),
and silicosis (09-OH-03)
during its 2009 CSTE Annual Conference. CSTE recommended a standardized
definition for an elevated blood lead level (BLL). This definition includes a
newly revised case definition for elevated BLL in adults (equal or greater
than 10 micrograms/deciliter) and a recommendation that laboratories report all blood
lead test results, not just ones defined as elevated. http://www.cste.org/dnn/Portals/0/activeforums_Attach/09-OH-03_Lead2.doc.
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NIOSH
congratulates the following individuals:
Authors
of "Assessing Total Fungal Concentrations on Commercial Passenger
Aircraft Using Mixed-Effects Modeling" (McKernan et al. [2008] JOEH
5(1):48–58) received the Best Paper Award for 2008 by the American
Industrial Hygiene Association Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Committee
and was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.
Kenneth Wallingford and Lauralynn
Taylor McKernan of NIOSH accept the award on behalf of the winning paper's
authors.
James
Couch received the AIHA 2008 Outstanding Project Team Award in recognition of
outstanding service and dedication to the development of the AIHA
publication, Guideline
on Occupational Exposure Reconstruction.
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NIOSH Seeks
Comments on the Following:
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Prevention Through
Design Plan for the National Initiative
NIOSH
is requesting comment on the draft NIOSH Technical Report: Prevention through Design
Plan. Deadline for comments is August 22, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/160/.
Quality Assurance
Requirements for Respirators
NIOSH is requesting comment on the
proposed rulemaking on Quality
Assurance Requirements for Respirators. The comment
period has been extended through October 9, 2009. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-11947.htm.
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Three New
Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Reports Now Available
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 The HHE
Program performed an ergonomic evaluation at a steel grating manufacturing
plant. Investigators recommended that management change work surface heights,
implement work practice changes, and perform routine maintenance on all
equipment. Investigators also recommended that employees take the time to
work safely and become involved in the health and safety committee.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2008-0074-3081.pdf
The
HHE Program evaluated physical and mental health symptoms among police
department personnel 15 months after Hurricane Katrina; NIOSH conducted a
similar survey with this population 2 months after Hurricane Katrina.
Investigators recommended that management continue to encourage personnel
with ongoing symptoms to seek follow-up care with a healthcare provider and
implement an employee assistance program for those with ongoing needs for
psychological support. It was also recommended that management obtain pre-
and post-exposure medical screening for personnel involved in disaster
response.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2007-0067-3076.pdf
The
HHE Program evaluated hospital employees’ potential exposure to
ultraviolet wavelength C (UV-C) radiation in orthopedic operating rooms.
Investigators recommended that UV-C lamp fixtures be removed from operating
rooms to prevent UV-C exposure during surgeries. Since the last HHE site
visit, the hospital has stopped using UV lamps for intraoperative infection
control and moved the orthopedic operating room suite into an area equipped
with laminair airflow, an alternative form of infection control technology.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2007-0257-3082.pdf
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Morbidity and
Mortality @Work
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Employment
Distribution of Workers Without Disabilities and With Disabilities by NORA
sector, May 2009
Like all other workers, workers
with disabilities are at risk of experiencing a work-related injury or
illness. Workers with disabilities, however, may be at increased risk on the
job due to characteristics of their disabilities such as limited mobility,
limited awareness of their surroundings due to sensory deficits, or, in the
case of individuals with developmental or other cognitive disabilities, lack
of awareness of danger, difficulties communicating, and other factors. See
the NIOSH workers with developmental disabilities web page for more
information http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/wdd/.
An estimated 5.3 million persons with disabilities were employed in May,
representing about 4% of total employment. Workers with disabilities were
distributed among National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) industry
sectors in percentages similar to those workers without disabilities.
(Source: Current population Survey). For more details, see the chart at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/enews/enewsv7n2chart.html.
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Dramatic New Video
From the CSB
The
U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has released a 20-minute safety video, Emergency Preparedness: Findings
From CSB Accident Investigations. This video
dramatically demonstrates the need for emergency response agencies,
companies, and communities to work closely together to prepare for the kinds
of tragic chemical accidents the CSB has investigated over the past
decade. The video is available online at http://www.csb.gov/videoroom/detail.aspx?vid=29
and on YouTube.
Massachusetts
Committed to Addressing Work-Related Asthma
Asthma
is a significant and growing public health problem in Massachusetts.
According to a recent analysis of data, nearly 10% of adults reported a
current diagnosis in 2007. Of these, 40% reported that their asthma was
either caused or aggravated by exposures at work. As part of a concerted
effort to address asthma throughout the state, the Massachusetts Department
of Public Health recently released two documents: The Burden of Asthma in Massachusetts
and a Strategic Plan
for Asthma in Massachusetts 2009–2014. Both
documents contain sections devoted to work-related asthma and can be found at
www.mass.gov/dph/asthma.
Worker Genetic
Susceptibility to Mutagenic Risk
Researchers at the University of
Illinois at Chicago are working to identify workers who, due to their genetic
background, might be at increased risk of cancer from their workplace
exposures to vinyl chloride. Epidemiologic results from Dr. Paul Brandt-Rauf
indicate genetic variation in the ability to detoxify these exposures, and
that the genetically determined ability to repair the DNA damage from such
exposures contributes significantly to the workers’ risk. These
findings can potentially lead to methods for improving prevention. For
more information, please contact Paul Brandt-Rauf, DPH, MD, DSCE, at pwb1@xxxxxxx.
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 Research to Practice Launches New Website
The NIOSH Office of Technology
Transfer has launched a new research to practice (r2p) website, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/r2p/.
Learn about r2p across NIOSH, r2p success stories, and partnership
opportunities and resources. The site will be updated as new NIOSH licensing
and partnership opportunities become available for collaboration on occupational
safety and health research. For additional information about r2p, please
email researchtopratice@xxxxxxx or call 513-533-8662.
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 2011 NORA Symposium
Announced!
The next National Occupational
Research Agenda (NORA) Symposium is planned for the spring of 2011 in
Washington, DC. It will mark the 15th anniversary of NORA and the 40th
anniversary of the creation of NIOSH. A NORA symposium is held every few
years to celebrate successes and work toward future achievements (see the
"Historical Information" section of the NORA Web site: www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora). Contact the
NORA coordinator (noracoordinator@xxxxxxx)
with your suggestions for a great NORA symposium.
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Secondhand Smoke and
Casino Dealers
Simply
working in a casino does not mean dealers must gamble with their health.
There is nothing lucky about developing a respiratory illness, lung cancer,
or heart disease—especially if you are a healthy nonsmoker. Read more
and comment at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb061609_casino.html.
Going Green: Safe
and Healthy Jobs
Are green jobs good for workers?
Read about the new NIOSH Going Green initiative and provide input on upcoming
efforts on the NIOSH Science Blog. Read more and comment at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb070109_greenjobs.html.
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American College of Occupational and
Environmental Medicine: 2010 American Occupational Health Conference
Call for session proposals and scientific abstracts. Deadline, August 16. http://aohc2010.abstractcentral.com/
American
Industrial Hygiene Association: American Industrial Hygiene
Conference and
Exposition 2010
Call for Professional Development Course Proposals. Deadline August 15. http://www.aiha.org/courseapps/Instructions.htm
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Green – concerned
with or supporting environmentalism or tending to preserve environmental
quality (as by being recyclable, biodegradable, or nonpolluting) –
(Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary).
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NIOSH eNews on the Web:
www.cdc.gov/niosh/enews/
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NIOSH eNews is Brought to
You By:
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Acting Director
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Christine M. Branche, Ph.D.
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Editor in Chief
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Max Lum
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Story Editor
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Tanya Headley
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Copy Editor
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Cathy Rotunda
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Public Affairs Officer
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Fred Blosser
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Technical Lead
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Glenn Doyle
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Technical Support
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Joseph Cauley
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