It has long been known that “hot work” jobs come with occupational risks. Hot work is any work that involves burning or using fire- or spark-producing tools, such as one does when welding. Welding, the act of heating surfaces together to the point of melting, creates great potential for hazards to occur. Fire, explosions and exposure to toxic fumes and gases are top risks for hot work welders.
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Property rooms or evidence rooms are secure areas, typically in a police station, used to store seized or stolen property and criminal evidence until the items can be returned to their rightful owners or used in court as matters of proof. Evidence includes items such as weapons, keys, money, personal objects, prescription and illicit drugs. Many of these items will be returned to their owners, destroyed or auctioned off. Evidence, of course, will be maintained for investigations and legal proceedings until a case is closed. The sophistication and organization of each department’s evidence room varies. Regardless of whether property or evidence is stored in boxes or bins, in envelopes or plastic bags, one thing is certain: each article tells a story and contains clues that can potentially exonerate or indict a suspect.
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More than a half a million people work in laboratories across America. No matter their field of scientific study, lab workers can be exposed to occupational hazards whether chemical, biological or radioactive in nature.
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During an average day, there are many opportunities in which one can admire ceramic artistry. Whether it is a favorite morning coffee mug, impressive place setting at a restaurant during business lunch, or a vase of flowers in a neighbor’s kitchen window, the ceramic pieces all share a common beginning. They all began with an individual artist.
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Activities such as sharing popcorn while watching a movie, drinking hot cocoa on a cold night, even the simple act of eating crackers may take on a different meaning once one becomes aware of the chemical ingredients that have gone into the flavorings of their favorite snacks.
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The fitness craze of the last 30 years has led to a bevy of choices regarding sport-related footwear. Alternatives beyond the basic walking and running shoe include tennis, aerobic, basketball and cross-training brands. Change took a long time in coming but once it did, the industry never stopped advancing and with the transformation, came an increase in occupational hazards to workers who assembled the shoes.
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Over 40 years ago, the topic of indoor air quality (IAQ) was not yet a line item on our national agenda. Beginning in the 1960’s, the concept of outdoor air pollution gained momentum to the point that it was considered a credible health risk. The government eventually intervened. In 1970 Congress proposed and President Nixon Read More
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For centuries, cobalt has been used to produce brilliant blue colors in glass, porcelain, pottery, tiles and enamels. This brittle, reflective gray compound found within the earth’s crust also plays a vital role in the health of humans and animals
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Workers can inhale cadmium dust, fumes, or mists but cadmium can also settle on skin and contaminate food and clothing. Elimination, avoidance, or containment of this noxious substance is imperative as contact with cadmium can damage the body’s cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Cadmium is a known carcinogen.
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Remedying poor workplace indoor air quality is more of a modern notion, one that did not become a driving force within the medical, environmental, and clean air policy communities until many years after pollution as a healthcare concern became a nationwide talking point.
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