http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/ NIOSH presents current and important topics in occupational safety and health for public comment. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb050109_horseracing.html Posted May 1, 2009, by Kitty Hendricks, M.A. 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. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb042209_bikesaddle.html Posted April 22, 2009, by Steven M. Schrader, Ph.D., Brian D. Lowe, Ph.D., and Michael J. Breitenstein, B.S. 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. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb040909_indoorenv.html Posted April 9, 2009, by Ray Wells, Ph.D. 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? Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb033009_nanoexpwrkshp.html Posted March 30, 2009, by Vladimir V. Murashov, Ph.D. NIOSH recently co-sponsored a workshop focused on research needed for characterizing exposures to nanomaterials among workers, other populations, and environments by measuring and modeling exposure levels, and by monitoring indicators of biological responses through the product life of a nanomaterial. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb031909_mwcnt.html Posted March 19, 2009, by Vincent Castranova, Ph.D., Ann Hubbs, Ph.D., Dale Porter, Ph.D., and Robert Mercer, Ph.D. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb031009_nails.html Posted March 10, 2009, by Susan Reutman, Ph.D. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb021709_pharm.html Posted February 17, 2009, by Dan Hartley, Ed.D. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb020209_no2.html Posted February 2, 2009, by Steven Mischler, M.S., Emanuele Cauda, Ph.D. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb012009_ems.html Posted January 20, 2009, by Ed Fries and Angie Shepherd. 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. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb010509_rops.html Posted January 5, 2009, by John Myers, MSF. 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. NIOSH has estimated that fatality rates due to tractor overturns could be reduced by a minimum of 71% if all tractors in the U.S. were equipped with ROPS. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb120808_1-BP.html Posted December 8, 2008, by G. Scott Dotson, Ph.D., and Charles L. Geraci, Ph.D., CIH. In recent years we have seen an increase in the use of the solvent 1-bromopropane (1-BP) as a substitute for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons and other regulated compounds. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb111708_FFFIPP.html Posted November 17, 2008, by Timothy R. Merinar, MS, Paul H. Moore, BSME, and Tanya Headley, MS. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb111008_diacetyl.html Posted November 10, 2008, by Lauralynn Taylor McKernan, ScD, CIH; Kevin Dunn, MSEE, CIH; Kathleen Kreiss, MD; and David N. Weissman, MD. 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." In many symptomatic individuals exposed to flavoring who have undergone lung biopsy, an irreversible type of lung damage called constrictive bronchiolitis has been found. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb102708_immigrant.html Posted October 27, 2008, by Sherry Baron, MD, MPH. 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? http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb102008_noirs.html Posted October 20, 2008, by Nancy Stout, Ed.D., and Tim Pizatella, M.S. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb100608_mwf.html Posted October 6, 2008, by Nancy Clark Burton, PhD, MPH, CIH; Judith Eisenberg, MD, MS; Stefanie Evans, MA; Manny Rodriguez, MS, CIH, CSP; and Loren Tapp, MD, MS. 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). http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb092208_lifting.html Posted September 22, 2008, by Jennifer Bell, Ph.D., Jim Collins, Ph.D., MSME, Traci L. Galinsky, Ph.D., and Thomas R. Waters, Ph.D., CPE. Healthcare workers often experience musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at a rate exceeding that of workers in construction, mining, and manufacturing. Nursing aides and orderlies suffer the highest prevalence (18.8%) and report the most annual cases (269,000) of work-related back pain among female workers in the United States. In 2000, 10,983 registered nurses (RNs) suffered lost-time work injuries due to lifting patients. Twelve percent of nurses report that they left the nursing profession because of back pain. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb090808_wtc.html Posted September 8, 2008, by David Prezant, M.D. 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. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb081808_blacklung.html Posted August 18, 2008, by Mike Attfield, Ph.D., Anita L. Wolfe, and Edward L. Petsonk, M.D. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb080408_nofittest.html Posted August 4, 2008, by Ed Fries and Ron Shaffer, Ph.D. 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. We would like your input as we finalize the workshop agenda. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb072808_nora.html Posted July 28, 2008, by Sidney C. Soderholm, Ph.D. 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. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb071408_summerheat.html Posted July 14, 2008, by Christina Bowles, M.A. 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. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb063008_policestress.html Posted June 30, 2008, by Tara A. Hartley, M.P.A., M.P.H., Cecil M. Burchfiel, Ph.D., M.P.H., and John M. Violanti, Ph.D. 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. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb061608_taxiviolence.html Posted June 16, 2008, by Cammie Chaumont Menendez, PhD, MPH, MS. 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. Read more and comment on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb060208_ptd.html Posted June 2, 2008, by Donna S. Heidel, CIH, and Paul Schulte, Ph.D. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb052708_directreading.html Posted May 27, 2008, by Christopher Coffey, Ph.D. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb052008_nano.html Posted May 20, 2008, by Vladimir V. Murashov, Ph.D. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb051208_quickfit.html Posted May 12, 2008, by Robert F. Randolph, M.S. Hearing protectors such as ear plugs and earmuffs only work if they fit and are worn properly. NIOSH's QuickFitWeb is an online tool that 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb050508_portfolio.html Posted May 5, 2008, by John Howard, NIOSH Director. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb042808_fishing.html Posted April 28, 2008, by Jennifer Lincoln, Ph.D. Commercial fishing is the most dangerous occupation in the U.S., with an annual fatality rate of 142 deaths per 100,000 fishermen, almost 36 times higher than the fatality rate for the average U.S. worker. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb042108_respiratorfit.html Posted April 21, 2008, by Ed Fries and Ziqing Zhuang, Ph.D. Over three million American workers wear respirators to protect themselves from hazards in their workplace. NIOSH requests input on a first-of-its-kind study to assess respirator fit and facial changes over time. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb041408_teacher.html Posted April 14, 2008, by Hope Tiesman, Ph.D., MSPH. Recent data demonstrates that teachers experience 39 crimes per 1,000 teachers (25 thefts and 14 violent crimes) and the true rate may be much higher since most incidents go unreported. As recent media reports have illustrated, this is a troubling problem affecting school personnel in elementary, middle and high schools across the nation. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb033108_ppe.html Posted March 31, 2008, by Edward F. Fries. Personal protective technology includes devices such as respirators, chemical-resistant clothing, hearing protectors, and safety goggles and glasses that provide a barrier between the worker and an occupational safety or health risk. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb031708_needlesticks.html Posted March 17, 2008, by Walter Alarcon, M.D., M.Sc. 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. Healthcare workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and HIV if they come in contact with a patient's blood. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb030308_miningvideo.html Posted March 3, 2008, by Elaine T. Cullen, Ph.D. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb021908_contworker.html Posted February 19, 2008, by Kristin J. Cummings, M.D., M.P.H. and Kathleen Kreiss, M.D. Contingent workers make up nearly one-third of the workforce and have lower incomes, fewer benefits, and higher risk for work-related injury, illness, and death. Read more about this growing part of the workforce on the NIOSH Science Blog. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb020408_bodyart.html Posted February 4, 2008, by Everett Lehman, M.S., M.B.A., and Amy Mobley, M.S. 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. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb012208_dose.html Posted January 22, 2008, by Larry Elliott, Director, NIOSH Office of Compensation Analysis and Support. Presents the history and the mission of the NIOSH Dose Reconstruction Program with an introduction by Dr. John Howard, M.D. Director, NIOSH http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb010708_youthatwork.html Posted January 7, 2008. Carol Merry Stephenson, Ph.D. presents Youth@Work: Talking Safety, a classroom curriculum designed to raise awareness among young people about occupational safety and health and to provide them with the basic skills they need to become active participants in creating safe and healthy work environments. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb121707_construction.html Posted December 17, 2007. James T. Albers, M.S., CIH NIOSH industrial hygienist and Cheryl F. Estill, M.S., P.E. NIOSH engineer and industrial hygienist present the NIOSH document Ergonomics for Construction Workers and other constrction related resources. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb120307_stress.html Posted December 03, 2007. Steven Sauter Ph.D. NIOSH Senior Scientist invites comment to a discussion on workplace stress and work organization, and presents several NIOSH stress resources including videos. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb111907_truck.html Posted November 19, 2007. W. Karl Sieber Ph.D. seeks comments on a plan to survey truck drivers on a nationwide basis. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/nsb110107_fire.html Posted November 01, 2007. John Howard MD, Director of NIOSH introduces the NIOSH Science Blog and highlights a publication containing strategic interventions to prevent deaths from heart attacks and other cardiovascular events, Preventing Fire Fighter Fatalities from Cardiovascular Events - NIOSH Publication Number 2007-133