December 2022 Volume 14, Issue 4

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES TO RE-DUCE THE ASBESTOS OCCUPATIONAL EX-POSURE LIMIT FROM 0.1 F/CC TO 0.01 F/CC

The European Commission has issued a series of reports and a proposal concerning the current status of asbestos in the Euro-pean Union. In summary, the EC reports some 4.1 million workers are occupationally exposed to asbestos in European Union member states. They also expect the number of exposed workers to increase by 4% annually over the next 10 years. In 2016 the EU estimated 66,808 deaths related to asbestos expo-sures; in 2019 it was 71,750. Finally, the EC estimates that 220 million existing buildings still contain asbestos. Similar statis-tics are not available for the US but they can’t be dynamically different. Asbestos seems to have, “Dropped from our radar”, but it remains a major source of significant worker exposure and related risk of cancer, especially mesothelioma.
(submitted by Frank Parker)

Identification and control of chemical, physical and biological hazards in the work environment. Call us at 281-356-6038 or visit our website for more information.

https://calicheltd.com//industrial-hygiene/

NEW EPA RULE WOULD REQUIRE MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORTING ON ASBESTOS

the Synergist, August 2022, pg. 2

“A proposed rule announced by EPA in May would include reporting and record-keeping requirements for asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The agency is proposing a one-time reporting obligation under which asbestos manufacturers and processors would be required to report certain use and exposure information on asbestos, including asbestos that is a component of a mixture, from the last four years. EPA would seek exposure related information such as quantities of asbestos or asbestos-containing articles that were manufactured or processed, types of uses, and employee data.”

“The proposed rule would require the reporting of employee data such as the number of workers associated with the activity, whether personal protective equipment was used, and any workplace exposure measurement assessment data.

EPA’s proposed requirements for asbes-tos were announced in the Federal Regis-ter at bit.ly/asbestosreporting. Infor-mation on additional EPA activities in-volving asbestos can be found at bit.ly/epa050522.”

“The proposed rule would require the reporting of employee data…”

CDC EXAMINES VENTILATION STRATEGIES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

the Synergist, August 2022, pg. 18

“As improved ventilation can reduce the transmission of SARS-Cov-2 and other infectious diseases in schools, the report urges public health professionals to support schools implementation of resource-intensive strategies to improve ventilation and in-door air quality. The full report can be found at bit.ly/mmwr061022.”

Contact Caliche, Ltd. for comprehensive assessments of general room or industrial ventilation systems. https://calicheltd.com/ventilation-services/

PRIORITIZING OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

Our services include:
• Hearing Conservation
• Respiratory Protection
• Benzene Standard
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Other OSHA, USCG & EPA Health
Standards
• Family Medical Leave
• Medical Absences
• Safe Return to Work
• Emergency Response
• Wellness Programs
• Evaluation of Current Occupational Medi cine Services and Policies

• Drug and Alcohol Programs
• Travel Health
• Addressing Disease Outbreaks
• Evaluating Potential Exposure Incidence

You can only benefit from commitment and accountability to Occupational Health, and we can bring any standards up to par and any risk down. By prioritizing Occupational Medicine, you’ll see performance improvement in all ar-eas of your company. We’ll work hard at keeping your employees, families and friends healthy. It’s what we do best!

Occupational Medicine is key to maintaining the health of employees.
https://calicheltd.com/occupational-medicine/

RESEARCHERS STUDY TAKE-HOME EXPOSURES AMONG CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, RECOMMEND INTERVENTIONS

assp.org, July 2022, Professional Safety, PSJ, pg. 9

“A study published in Environmental Research analyzed the sources and predictors of take-home exposures from construction workers that could be potentially harmful to their families. The study, ‘Metals Dust in Workers’ Homes and Potential for Take Home in the Greater Boston Area: Pilot Study,’ was conducted from 2018 to 2019.”

“Metals such as arsenic, chromium, manganese, nickel and lead were higher in construction workers’ home dust compared to that of other workers, who were in janitorial and auto repair industries.”

“…additional intervention is necessary in policies, resources and education for these families to reduce the risk of exposure to these potentially harmful toxins.”
“Read the study at https://bit.ly/3tQ.”

Promote hazard awareness and reduce workplace injuries for your employees.
https://calicheltd.com/safety/

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

happy holidays'

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