Complete list of blog posts
November, 2009
Workplace Hearing Loss
It is estimated that over 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job and an additional nine million are at risk for hearing loss from other agents such as solvents and metals. Read more about a new surveillance program and provide input on future efforts to prevent hearing loss in the workplace.
October, 2009
Safety and Health for Tattooists and Piercers
Based on visits to tattooing and piercing studios and interviews with artists, researchers from NIOSH found that many artists and piercers had concerns about exposures to blood and bloodborne diseases.
N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks
The emergence of H1N1 has created considerable interest about the use of surgical masks and respirators as infection control measures. Given the recent issuance of revised CDC infection control guidance for healthcare personnel that include recommendations for use of N95 respirators, NIOSH has posted a new blog that examines the scientific principles behind the design and performance of these devices.
September, 2009
The Business Case for Safety and Health
NIOSH has partnered with the Williams College of Business at Xavier University and the National Safety Council to offer a new course to MBA students titled "Business Value of Safety and Health." The course teaches the next generation of executives the advantages of implementing occupational and environmental health and safety programs.
Respiratory Protection for Terrorist Threats and Other Emergencies
This September 11th marks eight years since the devastating attacks on the World Trade Center. Since then, NIOSH has developed a systematic approach to identify the hazards that responders would face, assess the capabilities of existing respiratory protection equipment to provide protection against viable threats using benchmark testing, and set certification standards that stretch the capabilities of the protective technologies to enhance the protection offered to responders during CBRN events.
August, 2009
Occupational Disease and Nanoparticles
In the September issue of the European Respiratory Journal, the first medical case series of workers with serious disease that the study authors associate with exposure to nano-sized particles has been published. Investigators Y. Song, X. Li, and X Du of the Chaoyang Hospital of the Capital University of Medical Sciences in Beijing, China, report on a series of seven previously healthy young women who developed serious heart and lung disease after working at a print plant exposed to a chemical "paste" mixture containing undefined "nanoparticles" of approximately 30 nanometers in diameter.
H1N1: Protecting Healthcare Workers
As of July 31, 2009, there were 162,380 documented cases of human infection with H1N1 throughout the world, including the United States. As of August 6, 2009, there were 6,506 hospitalized cases and 436 deaths in the U.S. From the time of its emergence earlier this year, H1N1 has prompted a concerted response from health agencies.
July, 2009
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.
June, 2009
Secondhand Smoke and Casino Dealers
Simply working in a casino does not mean dealers must gamble with their health. Results of new research conducted by NIOSH on secondhand smoke—the exposure of non-smokers to tobacco smoke—confirm that dealers at the casinos investigated were exposed to secondhand smoke.
Using Digital Chest Images to Monitor the Health of Coal Miners and Other Workers
Conventional screen-film chest radiographic imaging has been an indispensable tool for monitoring the lung health of miners and other dust-exposed workers. Over the next decade, conventional film-based radiography will be completely replaced by digital radiography systems in the United States and elsewhere.
May, 2009
Take Aim at Protecting Yourself: Solutions for Preventing Lead Poisoning and Hearing Loss at Indoor Firing Ranges
If you work or train regularly at indoor firing ranges, you could be exposed to hazardous levels of lead and noise. An estimated 16,000–18,000 indoor firing ranges operate in the United States.
Safety and Health in the Horse-Racing Industry
It is estimated that over 146,000 individuals work in the horse-racing industry. This estimate includes jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, grooms, valets, starting gate attendants, apprentice jockeys, and veterinarians. Little is known about the health status or number and nature of injuries and illnesses to workers in this industry. However, there are many risk factors involved when a 115-pound jockey rides an 1,100 pound animal running 40 miles per hour.
April, 2009
Using No-nose (Noseless) Bicycle Saddles to Prevent Genital Numbness and Sexual Dysfunction
Over 40,000 workers including police officers, emergency medical technicians, and security staff ride bicycles as part of their job. Research has shown that riding with a traditional bicycle saddle can create pressure in the groin and may lead to a loss of sensation and a decrease in blood supply to the genitals. No-nose bicycle saddles can significantly reduce this pressure and alleviate the resulting negative health consequences.
Multifaceted Approach to Assess Indoor Environmental Quality
Indoor work environments have changed. However, many questions remain regarding occupational asthma and work-exacerbated asthma and the indoor environment. What are the irritants/sensitizers that cause these diseases? Can they be controlled? What is the actual physiological mechanism? What are the actual exposures in the workplace?
March, 2009
Nanotechnology: Human and Environmental Exposure Assessment of Nanomaterials Workshop
Because of the relative newness of nanotechnology, very little exposure data have been reported in the scientific literature. At this stage, measuring or determining risk becomes a little like trying to solve a mystery when major clues are missing. Scientists and engineers face this challenge even as the market for nanotechnology grows, and along with it, an increasing demand from diverse parties for guidance to underpin its responsible development.
Persistent Pulmonary Fibrosis, Migration to the Pleura, and Other Preliminary New Findings after Subchronic Exposure to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are a type of engineered nanomaterial that shows promise for creating stronger, more durable building materials; improving cancer therapies; creating more efficient means of energy generation, storage, and transmission; and speeding computer processes. However, as with other types of engineered nanomaterials, the potential occupational health implications of MWNCTs are not well understood at this emergent stage of the technology.
Nail Salon Table Evaluation
NIOSH is requesting that developers, manufacturers, and vendors of vented nail tables (VNTs) submit new, unused, downdraft VNTs for a free evaluation. The NIOSH research will include an evaluation of VNT airflow and capture characteristics, noise level, ergonomic features, and filter life. Results of the research and recommendations from NIOSH will be communicated back to the submitter with the hope of providing valuable information for maximizing the efficiency of VNTs.
February, 2009
Violence Against Pharmacists
Violence against pharmacists differs from violence experienced by other healthcare workers. Increasingly, pharmacists face violence from robberies at their workplace. Across the United States, reports of pharmacy robberies specifically related to the theft of Oxycontin and Vicodin have been reported.
NO2 Emission Increases Associated with the Use of Diesel Particulate Filters in Underground Mines
Emissions of and exposure to diesel particulate matter can sometimes be controlled through use of newer diesel engines, better engine maintenance, alternative fuels, or ventilation upgrades. Some mines may need to use diesel particulate filters, however. This has created concern about potential exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) resulting from their use.
January, 2009
Improved Criteria for Emergency Medical Protective Clothing
Over one million firefighters and an additional 500,000 emergency medical technicians and other first responders are engaged in emergency medical service (EMS) operations. NIOSH research has led to revised standards for personal protective equipment for EMS workers and, in turn, the development of new equipment and products providing a level of protection not previously available to the nation's EMS responders.
Preventing Death and Injury in Tractor Overturns with Roll-Over Protective Structures
Tractor overturns are the leading cause of occupational agricultural deaths in the United States. Between 1992 and 2005, 1,412 workers on farms died from tractor overturns. The Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) was developed to protect tractor operators from death and disability from these events by providing a protective zone for the operator in during a tractor overturn.
December, 2008
1-Bromopropane (1-BP): A Potential Occupational Hazard
The toxic nature of 1-BP is not fully understood. Case reports demonstrating neurotoxic, reproductive, development and other health effects in workers who use or make 1-BP indicate that the brominated solvent may represent an unrecognized occupational health risk. In this week's issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) presents two independent cases of 1-BP exposed workers diagnosed with the clinical manifestations of neurotoxicity.
November, 2008
Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program
In 1998 the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program was created to conduct independent investigations of fire fighter line of duty deaths and to formulate recommendations for preventing future deaths and injuries. As NIOSH enters the 10th year of the Fire Fighter Program we are working to better reach small and rural fire departments with the results of our fatality investigation reports and prevention recommendations. We request your assistance in helping us achieve this goal.
Diacetyl and Food Flavorings
Commercial flavorings used in the food service industry are often complex mixtures of flavoring chemicals, many of which are volatile, meaning that they evaporate into the air from their liquid or solid form. Diacetyl is a prominent chemical ingredient in butter flavorings and is a component of the vapors coming from these and other flavorings. Inhalation of butter flavoring chemical mixtures, including diacetyl, has been associated with severe obstructive lung disease popularly know as "popcorn lung."
October, 2008
Immigrant Worker Safety and Health
Immigrant workers face a disproportionate risk for workplace injury and illness. At the Safety, Health and Social Justice for Immigrant Workers - Lessons from the NIOSH Environmental Justice Projects session of the 2008 American Public Health Association's annual conference "Public Health Without Borders" (October 25-29), a panel will present the experiences from six of the environmental justice projects addressing safety and health concerns of immigrants working in farming, poultry processing, and restaurant and domestic work. For those unable to attend the session, we would appreciate feedback through this blog. Specifically, what experience have others had with developing successful interventions for immigrant workers? Additionally, what types of materials are needed to better assist safety and health professional to provide information and training to foreign-born workers?
Research to Practice for Injury Prevention
NIOSH is hosting the fourth National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS) on October 21-23, 2008, at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. NOIRS is the only national forum for presenting research methods, data, and findings focused exclusively on the prevention of occupational injuries. The goal of the NOIRS is to provide a forum for researchers and other professionals to share their findings and experiences aimed at preventing traumatic occupational injuries through research and prevention.
Preventing Health Hazards from Metal Working Fluids
Metal working fluids are used to lubricate, cool, prevent corrosion of, and remove chips from tools and metal parts during grinding, cutting, or boring operations. There are several types of MWFs: straight or soluble oils, semisynthetic oils, and synthetic oils. Exposures to MWFs can occur through inhaling aerosols, skin contact with contaminated surfaces, and splashing of fluids. Employees who have been exposed to MWFs often report skin disorders (skin irritations, oil acne, and rashes); eye, nose, and throat irritation; and respiratory symptoms (cough, asthma, or other breathing problems).
September, 2008
Preventing Back Injuries in Healthcare Settings
Healthcare workers often experience musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at a rate exceeding that of workers in construction, mining, and manufacturing. These injuries are due in large part to repeated manual patient handling activities, often involving heavy manual lifting associated with transferring, and repositioning patients and working in extremely awkward postures.
The World Trade Center and Respiratory Health
As we mark seven years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, guest blogger Dr. Prezant of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program and Albert Einstein College of Medicine discusses the respiratory health consequences resulting from the collapse of the World Trade Center.
August, 2008
Faces of Black Lung
Black lung disease, which is caused by inhaling coal mine dust, results in scarring of the lungs and emphysema, shortness of breath, disability, and premature death. While the prevalence of black lung disease had decreased by about 90% from 1969 to 1995 following the enactment of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the downward trend of this disease in coal miners has stopped. Since 1995, the prevalence of black lung cases has more than doubled.
The "No Fit Test" Respirator Research Workshop
NIOSH is hosting the "No Fit Test" Respirator Research Workshop on November 6, 2008. The workshop aims to examine how the latest material technology (shape-changing polymers, adhesives, etc.) may be leveraged to improve current and future respirator designs including the long-term possibility of moving away from current fit-testing requirements, while preserving user protection.
July, 2008
NORA Symposium 2008
The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) is a collaborative effort by NIOSH and many diverse partners to stimulate innovative research and improved workplace practices. NORA aims to raise awareness of priority needs for research in occupational safety and health, stimulate discussions on meeting those needs, and leverage resources of like-minded organizations to conduct targeted research and put the results into practice.
Summer Hazards for Workers
During the summer, more workers are performing job tasks outdoors ranging from construction work to farming to road paving and painting. While the hazards can be different from those found in indoor environments, there are still practical ways to protect workers from outdoor hazards.
June, 2008
Police and Stress
By the nature of their jobs, many police officers face tremendous stress on a daily basis. NIOSH and colleagues at the University at Buffalo are studying the effects of policing and stress on adverse metabolic and early stage cardiovascular outcomes.
Preventing Violence against Taxicab Drivers
Taxicab drivers face a very high risk of workplace homicide, even greater than those working in law enforcement and security. NIOSH is proposing an evaluation of the effectiveness of cameras in preventing violence against taxicab drivers.
Making the Business Case for Prevention through Design
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is leading a National Prevention through Design (PtD) initiative to promote the concept of "designing out" or minimizing occupational hazards and risks early in the design process. Read more on the NIOSH Science Blog and provide insight about your successes and challenges in implementing PtD.
May, 2008
NIOSH Seeks Input on Direct Reading Exposure Assessment Methods (D.R.E.A.M.) Workshop
Direct-reading instruments are valuable tools for detecting and measuring worker exposure to hazards. Through the NIOSH Science Blog, NIOSH is seeking input on direct reading methods research needs and comment on topics for the Direct Reading Exposure Assessment Methods (D.R.E.A.M.) Workshop.
Nanotechnology: Should carbon nanotubes be handled in the workplace like asbestos?
Do the nanoparticles used in nanotechnology pose unintended risks of illness or injury for workers employed in the industry? The NIOSH Science Blog looks at one nanomaterial—carbon nanotubes—and discusses new research findings about their similarities to asbestos and how they should be handled in the workplace to protect workers.
QuickFitWeb Hearing Protection Test
Hearing protectors such as ear plugs and earmuffs only work if they fit and are worn properly. NIOSH's QuickFitWeb is an online tool which allows users to check the fit of their hearing protectors in a minute or less. Read more and check your hearing protectors on the NIOSH Blog.
Portfolio Management at NIOSH
NIOSH accomplishes its mission through a portfolio of programs. Each of these programs selects research goals that are of the most relevance to real world problems, conducts research of the highest scientific quality that is directed by those goals, and measures the impact that its research has in the daily lives of workers.
April, 2008
Commercial Fishing Safety
Commercial fishing is the most dangerous occupation in the U.S., with an annual fatality rate that is almost 36 times higher than the fatality rate for the average U.S. worker. An emphasis on understanding the commercial fishing culture and the rugged work environment coupled with quality science has helped NIOSH create practical prevention recommendations that are now commonly used in the industry and are saving lives.
Frequency of Respirator Fit Testing
Over three million American workers are required to wear respirators to protect themselves from hazards in their workplace. Since the fit of the respirator to the user's face affects the protection provided by the respirator, occupational safety and health professionals recommend fit assessment during the initial selection of a respirator model and at some periodicity as part of a respiratory protection program.
Violence Against Teachers and School Staff
Because of an increase in the prevalence of school-based policies aimed at reducing violence in youth and recent reports suggesting that teachers and other school staff may face daily threats of workplace violence, NIOSH was prompted to examine risk factors and prevention polices and practices for workplace violence for K-12 school staff.
March, 2008
Influenza Pandemic and the Protection of Healthcare Workers with Personal Protective Equipment
NIOSH is committed to ensuring that its research is relevant and making a difference in the lives of workers. As such, in 2005, NIOSH asked the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to form a standing committee to provide strategic guidance in addressing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) issues for workers. One issue the committee deemed of high importance is PPE for healthcare workers in the event of pandemic influenza.
Preventing Needlesticks in Surgical Personnel
Each year an estimated 385,000 needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries are sustained by hospital-based healthcare personnel; an average of 1,000 sharps injuries per day.
Saving Miners' Lives with Video-Based Training
How do you take miners miles below ground to teach them how to protect themselves from some of the most dangerous hazards in the mining industry without endangering their safety or ever leaving the comfort and security of the training room? The answer, training videos.
February, 2008
Contingent Workers
One analysis of 2005 federal data found that 16% of contingent workers have family incomes less than $20,000, a proportion twice as high as that of noncontingent workers. Only 13% of contingent workers had health insurance provided by their employer, compared with 72% of noncontingent workers.
Body Art
Tattoo artists and body piercers are at increased risk of coming in contact with blood in the workplace, which may increase their exposure to bloodborne diseases. NIOSH recommends safe work practices to decrease body artists' exposure to blood and improve safety and health.
January, 2008
NIOSH Dose Reconstruction Program
Dose reconstruction is a scientifically complex process. In fact, the entire Compensation Program involves many challenging issues—many of them outside the realm of science. The NIOSH process has always been an open one. And, as always, we welcome comments and questions.
Youth@Work: Talking Safety
Millions of teens in the United States work. Approximately 2.4 million 16- and 17-year-olds worked in the United States in 2006. Surveys indicate that 80% of teens have worked by the time they finish high school. While few would argue that most work provides numerous benefits for young people, it can also be dangerous.
December, 2007
Ergonomics for Construction Workers
Construction is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. Some of the most common construction injuries are the result of job demands that push the human body beyond its natural limits. Workers who must often lift, stoop, kneel, twist, grip, stretch, reach overhead, or work in other awkward positions to do a job are at risk of developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) such as back problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis to name a few.
Workplace Stress
Work organization and job stress are topics of growing concern in the occupational safety and health field and at NIOSH. The expressions "work organization" or "organization of work" refer to the nature of the work process (the way jobs are designed and performed) and to the organizational practices (e.g., management and production methods and accompanying human resource policies) that influence the design of jobs.
November, 2007
Truck Driver Safety and Health
Truck drivers face a disproportionately high risk for fatal crash-related injuries and for serious health disorders. The 2004 fatality rate for U.S. heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was 48.2 per 100,000 workers, approximately 11 times the rate for the general worker population. The Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses estimated 63,570 non-fatal injuries among heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in 2004—the second highest number among all occupations.
Preventing Fire Fighter Fatalities from Cardiovascular Events
Some 1.1 million firefighters selflessly risk their own safety and health for our safety and the safety of our communities. Last month we saw this heroism first hand as over 7,000 firefighters battled the dangerous wildfires in Southern California. Fortunately, no fire fighters lost their lives but 130 suffered injuries as of November 2, according to media reports. It is an inherently dangerous job, but injuries, illnesses, and deaths should not be viewed or accepted as inevitable occurrences. NIOSH and other safety and fire service agencies work to protect fire fighters and prevent the estimated 100 fire fighter fatalities that occur each year. Through its Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, NIOSH investigates the deaths of fire fighters in the line of duty to formulate science-based recommendations for preventing future deaths and injuries.
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