They are called funeral directors, morticians, undertakers, mortuary custodians, and funeral service professionals. Those soft-spoken individuals who counsel grieving family members and help plan the service after a loved-one dies, are likely also the ones who handle the technical aspects of preserving the deceased so that family and friends can say goodbye in a less clinical setting than a hospital or nursing home. Unfortunately, part of this job – the embalming part – can create toxic fumes that pose health hazards for the professional.
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Cancer. The word evokes many feelings in people, sadness and fear top the list. It’s no wonder. On a global scale, nearly 13 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Cancer is the leading cause of death in developed countries, including the United States.
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In the early 20th century, public awareness of occupational- related illnesses was not yet a reality, but advocacy for the safety of US laborers, was beginning to grow. Physicians, research scientists and medical experts began documenting worker health problems. Pioneers of the labor-advocacy movement led efforts to improve industrial hygiene after finding conclusive evidence linking Read More
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Upon entering the kitchen and flicking on the light, little thought is likely given to where or how that light switch was made, any more than thought is given to the countertops on which the food is prepared or the pot handles of the vessel used to cook the food. Those who work in the thermosetting plastics industry, however, think about these products all the time. It’s what they do.
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Are Santa’s Elves at Risk? In the fairytale workshop of holiday toys, Santa’s bustling elves are depicted crafting, assembling and painting items of Christmas splendor. In this imaginary world, nary a thing could go wrong. But in the real world of woodworking, significant – even deadly – health risks exist everyday as a result of Read More
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In the art conservation industry, professional painting conservators will tell you that regardless of the monetary worth of your artifact, indoor air pollution will, at some point, negatively affect the intrinsic value of the piece. In fact, as soon as an artist finishes his or her creation, aging and deterioration begin.
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Americans love their pets. And though the statistics stating the numbers of domestic pets vary wildly, from 180 million dogs and cats from one source to just under 150 million reported by another, there is no disputing that there are a lot of them living amongst – and being fed by – us.
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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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No one would argue that the advent of online news publications has caused a steep decline in the circulation of print newspapers. And yet, newspapers are still found everywhere. From barbershops to convenience stores and newsstands to supermarket checkout counters, newspapers – both broadsheet and tabloids – abound.
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When you open a greeting card, reach into your car’s glove box or read your child her favorite “touch and feel” storybook, chances are, the word “flocking” is not on your mind. And yet, all of the aforementioned items have been flocked.
Flock is used to make a variety of objects, from carpets, clothing apparel, and jewel boxes to paper goods (such as picture books, posters and greeting cards) that have raised or rough threads. Flocking is a fiber coating process that can add dimension and texture to almost any article.
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