Monday, June 30, 2008

NRB Approves Major Mercury Reduction Rule



NEWS RELEASE
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707
Phone: (608) 266-6790 TDD: 711
dnr.wi.gov www.wisconsin.gov
.
DATE: June 25, 2008
CONTACT: Matt Frank, DNR Secretary, (608) 266-2252
Al Shea, Administrator Air and Waste Division, (608) 266-5896
SUBJECT: Natural Resources Board approves major mercury reduction rule.
Rule now goes to legislature
MADISON – The state Natural Resources Board today approved a mercury reduction rule that will accomplish Governor Doyle’s goal to reduce the amount of mercury released to the environment by 90 percent. (More.....)

Friday, June 27, 2008

House committee reports on injury and illness under-reporting

A staff report by the Committee on Education and Labor (US House of Representatives) was released last week. They heard from witnesses that contend that the Department of Labor’s longstanding failure to collect accurate data on workplace injuries and illnesses calls into question the agency’s claims that workplaces are getting safer and healthier.

As much as 69 percent of all injuries and illnesses may never be reported to OSHA. An Education and Labor Committee staff report released today reviews the extent of the underreporting problem and offers explanations for it. To view the complete report, click here.

The press release with links to the statements by witnesses is at: http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/edlabor_dem/rel061908.html

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Recall: water pump motors

A. O. Smith Recalls Water Pump Motors Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Water Pump Motors

Units: About 6,750

Manufacturer: A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co., of Tipp City, Ohio

Hazard: The water pumps with the recalled motors are labeled as containing a one-horsepower motor, but actually contain a 3/4-horsepower motor. Under certain conditions, the smaller motor could overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves motors included with lawn sprinkler pumps and jet pumps manufactured by F. E. Myers Co. The recall also includes replacement pump motors that were sold separately.

Model NumberProduct Description
QP10Lawn Sprinkler Pump
QP10BLawn Sprinkler Pump with Brass Impeller
HJ100SShallow Well Jet Pump
HJ100S-1Shallow Well Jet Pump with Brass Impeller
HJ100DDeep Well Jet Pump
HJ100D-LRDeep Well Jet Pump Less Regulator
HJ100D-1Deep Well Jet Pump with Brass Impeller
20935A000KIndividually Sold Replacement Motor

Only pumps manufactured between August 2007 and May 2008 are included in the recall. The pump's model number, manufacturing date code and the name "Myers" can be located on the pump's nameplate and packaging. The pump's motor has "A. O. Smith" and model number "C48D52B86" on the motor's nameplate. The replacement motor's packaging has "Myers" and model number "20935A000K" printed on it. Products with an "OK" sticker on the product or packaging are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Plumbing wholesalers and distributors nationwide to independent contractors and plumbers between August 2007 and May 2008. The water pumps sold for between $500 and $750 depending on the model, and the replacement motor sold for between $300 and $400.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled units immediately and contact A. O. Smith to arrange for a free replacement of any pumps with affected motors or any affected replacement motors.

Consumer Contact: For further information, contact A. O. Smith at (800) 280-8626 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.regcen.com/pumprecall


Full CPSC bulletin available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08309.html



Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Lead contamination of certain artificial turf surfaces

For those of you who subscribe to the CSHEMA listserv and have time to read it(!), you will recognize this item from a list discussion in April. Whether or not you followed that discussion, it might be worth your while to know some things about the topic in case you are asked...

The CDC has recently issued a health advisory for lead contamination of certain artificial turf surfaces. Some artificial turf made of nylon or nylon/polyethylene blend fibers contains levels of lead that pose a potential public health concern. These are generally older turfs ("AstroTurf").

Tests of artificial turf fields made with only polyethylene fibers showed that these fields contained very low levels of lead. These tend to be newer turfs.

Link to CDC webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/artificialturf.htm

2008 Wisconsin RecycleMania results


RecycleMania is a competition among college and university recycling programs. Over a 10-week period, campuses compete in different contests to see which institution can collect the largest amount of recyclables per capita, the largest amount of total recyclables, the least amount of trash per capita, or have the highest recycling rate. The main goal of this event is to increase student awareness of campus recycling and waste minimization.

For more information on Wisconsin results: http://www.uwsa.edu/oslp/em/compliance/recycling.html

For more information on RecycleMania: http://www.recyclemaniacs.org/index.htm

Voluntary use of respirators

Thanks to Bob Grieshaber at UW-Milwaukee for pointing out their webpage that covers required information for voluntary use of respirators.

http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/EHSRM/IEH/RESPIRATOR/voluntuse.html

Keeping Disaster Site Workers Safe

OSHA has a webpage for "Keeping Disaster Site Workers Safe During Cleanup and Recovery Operations." It includes:

Fact Sheets & QuickCards
Disaster Recovery Operations
Public Service Announcements
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety and Health Guides
Safety and Health Information Bulletins
Training Programs
Columbus, Indiana, Images (Region V)
USA.gov resources on Midwest Floods
Other Government Resources

http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/flood-tornado-recovery.html

Contributed by Ernie Stracener.

Monday, June 23, 2008

University of Texas Fires Research Safety Expert

A veteran national security expert hired to make safety improvements in University of Texas research labs has been fired, less than a year after he took the job...(more)

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/053108dntexutbiosafety.3ce6933.html

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Ultra-sensitive aerosol detector

Sniffing out a Broad-Spectrum of Airborne Threats in Seconds
Scientists in California are reporting successful laboratory and field tests of a new device that can sniff out the faintest traces of a wide range of chemical, biological, nuclear, and explosive threats—and illicit drugs—from the air in minutes with great accuracy. The ultra-sensitive detector, known as the single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) system, could tighten security at airports, sports stadiums, and other large-scale facilities, according to a report, scheduled for the July 1 issue of ACS’ Analytical Chemistry.Matthias Frank and colleagues explain that chemical, biological, nuclear, and explosive materials, as well as illicit drugs, all release minute amounts of aerosol particles into the air. Detecting these particles requires a device with a high sensitivity, low probability of false alarms, and a fast response time. “SPAMS uniquely meets these requirements in realistic field environments,” the report states. “While other aerosol detectors exist, SPAMS is specifically designed for the rapid detection of low-concentration aerosols.”The study describes laboratory tests of SPAMS and extended field tests at San Francisco International Airport. It showed that within seconds, SPAMS detected a diverse set of materials including simulants for potentially hazardous biological, chemical, and radiological materials, as well as actual explosives and drugs. The study terms SPAMS a “significant and important advance in rapid aerosol threat detection.”


Source: Environmental Resource Center’s Tip of the Week.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Recall: Bosch hammer drill

Robert Bosch Tool Corp. Recalls Hammer Drills Due to Risk of Injury

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bosch Hammer Drills

Units: About 9,700

Manufacturer: Robert Bosch Tool Corp., of Mount Prospect, Ill.

Hazard: The drill can continue to operate after the trigger has been released, posing a risk of injury to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled hammer drill is blue with “BOSCH” printed on the side. The model number 1191VSR can be located on the product nameplate mounted on the side of the motor. The product’s packaging will be marked as 1191VSRK (the “K” indicates that the hammer drill was packaged with a case in a kit). Only drills with a serial number that begins with “7” are included in the recall.

Sold at: Menards and other hardware retailers and industrial distributors nationwide from July 2007 through April 2008 for about $100.

Manufactured in: Malaysia

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled hammer drill immediately and contact the firm for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Robert Bosch Tool Corp. toll-free at (877) 472-0007 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.boschtools.com


For more information, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08303.html

Or call the CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

Information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.


Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, special issue

The Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health (2008 Volume 14, Number 2) released a special issue. Abstract of seven articles are available:

  • Introduction to the Special Issue Research to Practice in the Agricultural Workplace
  • The California Agricultural Workers Health Survey
  • Reaching Teen Farm Workers with Health and Safety Information: An Evaluation of a High School ESL Curriculum
  • Worker Health and Safety in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
  • Protection Against Breathing Dust: Behavior Over Time in Californian Farmers
  • Striving to Provide Opportunities for Farm Worker Community Participation in Research
  • Low Back Disorders in Agriculture and the Role of Stooped Work: Scope, Potential Interventions, and Research Needs
Link to articles at: http://asae.frymulti.com/toc_journals.asp?volume=14&issue=2&conf=j&orgconf=j2008

Draft NIOSH control banding document


On May 13, NIOSH posted a draft document about Control Banding for public review and comment. This draft document, Qualitative Risk Characterization and Management of Occupational Hazards (Control Banding [CB]): A Literature Review and Critical Analysis, describes the evolution and concepts of control banding, a qualitative approach for assessing and managing hazards associated primarily with chemical exposures in the workplace.

The public review and comment period is open until July 11, 2008. The draft document is available for viewing at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/138.


EPA Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance Issues FY07 Report


The 2007 Fiscal Year report from EPA Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance is available at:

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/reports/accomplishments/oeca/fy07accomplishment.pdf


Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Recall: Shag rugs

Crate and Barrel Recalls Shag Rugs Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: “Remy” Shag Rugs

Units: About 5,100

Importer: Crate and Barrel, of Northbrook, Ill.

Hazard: The large rugs fail to meet federal standards for flammability and could ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. The small rugs fail to meet federal labeling requirements. Small rugs are not required to meet the federal flammability standard; however, they are required to be permanently labeled with the following statement: “FLAMMABLE (FAILS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE STANDARD FF 2-70): SHOULD NOT BE USED NEAR SOURCES OF IGNITION.”

For more information, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08301.html

Or call the CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

Information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Sunscreen identified as major cause of coral bleaching

Sunscreen identified as major cause of coral bleaching
Source: European Commission, Environment DG Published May 23, 2008
New research highlights the harmful effects of sunscreens on coral reefs. The ultra-violet (UV) filters, used to protect skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure, caused bleaching of coral reefs even at very low levels. In areas exposed to high levels of human activity, sunscreens may now be posing a significant risk to marine life. Coral reefs are among the most biologically productive and diverse ecosystems in the world. These ecosystems directly sustain half a billion people, but around 60 per cent are currently threatened. Over the past 20 years, coral bleaching has increased dramatically. This has been blamed on a range of causes including temperature change, excess UV radiation, pollution and bacterial pathogens. Italian researchers have now added sunscreens to this list of damaging agents.
Chemical compounds in sunscreen and personal care products are found in detectable levels in sea and freshwater. Already, sunscreens are banned in many sensitive areas such as a marine eco-park in Mexico. Research shows that chemicals in sunscreens can accumulate in aquatic animals, have an oestrogen-like effect and biodegrade into toxic by-products.
The researchers investigated the effects on coral of adding controlled amounts of three brands of sunscreen to the surrounding seawater. The research was carried out at locations in Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand and Egypt, representing a range of ecosystems. Even when sunscreen was added in low quantities, large amounts of coral mucous, composed of algae and coral particles, was released within 18-48 hours. Within 96 hours, complete bleaching of corals had occurred.
Bleaching was faster at higher temperatures and microscope analysis showed a loss of photosynthetic pigments and membrane integrity in the algae. Virus levels in seawater surrounding coral branches increased significantly, reaching 15 times the level found in control samples. The researchers believe the viruses were released from the corals or algae, suggesting that sunscreens might stimulate latent viral infections. This suggests that inducing algae or coral to release latent viruses is an important factor contributing to coral bleaching. Pesticides, hydrocarbons and other contaminants have been found to have a similar effect, and these compounds could act synergistically with suncare products, increasing the extent of coral bleaching.
According to the UN World Trade Organisation, around 10 per cent of tourism takes place in tropical areas with 78 million tourists visiting coral reefs each year. An estimated 4,000 and 6,000 tonnes of sunscreen are released in reef areas each year with 25 per cent of the sunscreen ingredients on skin released into water over the course of a 20 minute submersion. The authors estimate that up to 10 per cent of the world's coral reefs are at risk of sunscreen-induced coral bleaching.
Sunscreens are made of around 20 compounds acting as UV filters and preservatives. Seven were tested including parabens, cinnamates, benzophenones and camphor derivatives. This research suggests that action is needed to find UV filters that do not threaten the survival of these endangered ecosystems.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Pandemic flu guidance available

Draft guidance from the US Department of Health & Human Services is available for reading and for comment on the following three topics:

  • Interim Guidance on the Use and Purchase of Facemasks and Respirators by Individuals and Families for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness;
  • Proposed Guidance on Antiviral Drug Use During an Influenza Pandemic; and
  • Proposed Considerations for Antiviral Drug Stockpiling by Employers In Preparation for an Influenza Pandemic.
See the H&HS website for more information.

Recall: Batteries from wireless conference phone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2008
Release #08-297

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 963-7627
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Firm's Media Contact: (925) 924-5689


Polycom, Inc. Recalls Wireless Conference Phone Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: SoundStation2W Wireless Conference Phones with Lithium Ion Batteries

Units: About 5,800 units

Phone Distributor: Polycom, Inc., of Pleasanton, Calif.

Battery Pack Distributor: Gold Peak Industries Ltd., of Hong Kong

Hazard: The battery packs can overheat, posing a fire or burn hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Polycom has received one report of a battery pack overheating resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled battery packs were supplied by Gold Peak Industries Ltd. and sold with Polycom’s SoundStation2W wireless conference phones from December 1, 2007 until May 2, 2008, and separately as replacement battery packs during the same time period. The SoundStation2W part numbers and SKU numbers are printed on the underside of the telephone and include the following models:

Part NumberSKU Number
2201-67800-0222200-07800-001
2201-67880-0222200-07880-001

SoundStation2W recalled battery pack part numbers, SKU numbers and date codes are as follows:

Part NumberSKU NumberDate Code
1520-07803-0032200-07803-002GP1207, GP0108, GP0208, GP0308
(December 2007 through March 2008)
1520-07804-0032200-07804-002GP1207, GP0108, GP0208, GP0308
(December 2007 through March 2008)

The battery packs have a black or white plastic coating and a white label with the following title: “RECHARGEABLE Li-ion BATTERY.” The recalled battery pack part numbers can be found on the bottom right hand corner of the white label on the battery pack. The date code can be found to the left of the part number printed on the white label of the battery.

Sold by: Authorized dealers nationwide through catalogs, online, telesales, office supply stores, the Polycom Web store, and Fry’s Electronics retail locations from December 2007 through May 2, 2008 for between $700 and $900. Replacement battery packs were sold for between $50 and $90 through the same outlets.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the battery pack from their SoundStation2W wireless conference phone. Once the battery pack is removed, consumers can still use their conference phone by keeping the charger plugged into the unit. Consumers should not attempt to use battery packs other than those supplied by Polycom in the unit. Consumers should contact Polycom for a free replacement battery pack.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Polycom, Inc. at (800) 963-7627 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.polycom.com/2WBattery

Link to Consumer Product Safety Commission article.


Contact information


Office of Safety and Loss Prevention
University of Wisconsin System Administration
(608) 262-4792
 
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