News from around the World

News Archive

June 2004

Combining Healthy Working & Healthy Living

Please mark your calendar now and join NIOSH to launch a new national initiative, "Steps to a Healthier U.S. Workforce," aimed at integrating worker healthy lifestyle promotion with the NIOSH mission of protecting and improving working conditions and work environment. Your interest, support and attendance would be most helpful in shaping this initiative.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with several co-sponsors will convene a three day Symposium on the campus of the George Washington University in Washington D.C. on October 26-28, 2004. The initiative recognizes that workers, families, and employers share the goal of wishing to protecting, preserving, and improving the health of people who at work. By bringing together the health promotion and occupational safety and health communities we are seeking to highlight common interests and develop mutually supportive strategies for research and practice to improve worker health, safety, and well-being.

The Symposium will:

• Provide researchers, policymakers, practitioners, academics, employers and labor leaders an opportunity to share their experiences with integrated and coordinated health promotion and protection programs.
• Assess the scientific basis for integrated approaches and suggest future directions for relevant research and improved practice;
• Explore economic issues related to the interrelationships among work, health, health care needs, and productivity.
• Highlight successful programs, practices, and policies of protection and promotion resulting in improved health for people at work.

NIOSH is currently identifying organizations interested in contributing to this new initiative by participating in agenda development, outreach and publicity and assisting in follow up activities. Please email Tanya Headley at theadley@cdc.gov for more information about this exciting new initiative. For additional information please visit the STEPS to a HealthierUS Workforce web site, www.cdc.gov/niosh/worklife.

European strategy for nanotechnology: implications for OSH

The European Commission has adopted an EU strategy to help Europe become world leader in the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology, the science of the infinitely small. The Communication, "Towards a European strategy for nanotechnology", provides a series of recommendations and initiatives on how to strengthen European research and development (R&D) in the field and help turn nanotechnologies into commercially viable products for the benefit of society. Key actions include boosting R&D investment and infrastructure, improving training for research personnel, enhancing technology transfer in Europe and its financing, taking into account the impact of nanotechnology on society and increasing international co-operation towards a responsible approach to nanotechnology R&D globally.

Public Health, Safety, Environmental and Consumer Protection

Scientific investigation and assessment of possible health or environmental risks associated with nanotechnology need to accompany the R&D and technological progress. Some dedicated studies are underway to assess the potential risks, which are also examined within FP6 IPs and NEs projects in the field of nanotechnology. In particular, nanoparticles might behave in unexpected ways due to their small size.

They may present special challenges, for example, in terms of production, disposal, handling, storage and transport. R&D is needed to determine the relevant parameters and prepare for regulation, where necessary, taking into account the full chain of actors, from researchers, workers to consumers.

This R&D also needs to take into account the impacts of nanotechnologies throughout the whole of their life-cycle, for example, by using Life-Cycle Assessment Tools. Since such issues are of global concern, it would be advantageous to systematically pool knowledge at international level.

More generally, public health, environmental and consumer protection require that those involved in the development of nanotechnologies—including researchers, developers, producers, and distributors—address any potential risk upfront, as early as possible, on the basis of reliable scientific data and analysis, using appropriate methodologies. This presents a challenge since predicting the properties of nanotechnology-based products is difficult because it requires that classical physics and quantum mechanical effects are both taken into account. In many ways, engineering a substance with nanotechnology can be likened to creating a new chemical.

As a result, addressing the potential risks of nanotechnologies to public health, the environment and consumers will require evaluating the possible re-use of existing data and generating new, nanotechnology-specific data on toxicology and ecotoxicology (including dose response and exposure data). This also calls for examining and, if required, adjusting risk assessment methods. In practice, addressing the potential risks associated with nanotechnologies necessitates that risk assessment be integrated into every step of the life cycle of nanotechnology-based products.

In support of a high level of public health, safety, environmental and consumer protection, the Commission highlights the need:

1. to identify and address safety concerns (real or perceived) at the earliest possible stage;
2. to reinforce support for the integration of health, environmental, risk and other related aspects into R&D activities together with specific studies; See e.g. the EC-funded projects: Nanopathology "The role of nano-particles in biomaterial-induced pathologies" (QLK4-CT-2001-00147); Nanoderm "Quality of skin as a barrier to ultra-fine particles"(QLK4-CT-2002-02678); Nanosafe "Risk assessment in production and use of nano-particles with development of preventive measures and practice codes" (G1MA-CT-2002-00020)
3. to support the generation of data on toxicology and ecotoxicology (including dose response data) and evaluate potential human and environmental exposure.

The Commission calls upon the Member States to promote:

4. the adjustment, if necessary, of risk assessment procedures to take into account the particular issues associated with nanotechnology applications;
5. the integration of assessment of risk to human health, the environment, consumers and workers at all stages of the life cycle of the technology (including conception, R&D, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal).

Europe HazMat Data: For First Response, Transportation, Storage, and Security, 2nd Edition

Richard P. Pohanish

HazMat Data, 2nd Edition provides a detailed reference for emergency responders and people who transport chemicals. Considering the events of September 11, the book, by well known writer Richard P. Pohanish, is especially oriented toward first responder and emergency management personnel. Additions to this new Second Edition include Spanish language synonyms for all entries, and an increased overall number of synonyms.

New to this edition is information on chemical warfare (CW) agents and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) -nerve gasses, blister agents/vesicants, "blood agents," choking/pulmonary agents, and crowd-control agents (tear gasses, pepper sprays, etc.) - that might be used as weapons of terrorism. It clearly explains symptoms of exposure and appropriate treatment for the exposure when available, and describes what to do in an emergency situation. The book also gives the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hazard classifications, as well as chemical hazard class information. HazMat Data covers nearly 1450 hazardous chemicals found in the workplace and frequently transported in bulk.

Instructions on how to use the book, which weighs in at 2.85 kg. are also given to enable the user to get the best of the data. Newly updated, The HazMat Data, 2nd Edition provides a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of this vital information.

HazMat Data: For First Response, Transportation, Storage, and Security, 2nd Edition
Richard P. Pohanish Wiley ISBN: 0-471-27328-7
Hardcover 1263 pages March 2004 £147.00 / €208.40

Available from: John Wiley and Sons Ltd, Distribution Centre, 1 Oldlands Way, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO22 9SA, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1243 843291 | Fax: +44 (0) 1243 843302 | Email: cs-books@wiley.co.uk | http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA

Impacting Health at Work by Harold D Harvey & Paul Fleming

The workplace has been recognised as an important potential health promotion setting by both the World Health Organisation and the European Union. It is an environment where a substantial proportion of the adult population spend a significant part of their lives.

During the last three decades, health at work has assumed an increasingly high profile with workers, employers, government, trade unions and key professional groups. Issues such as health and safety, passive smoking, stress and health promoting environments have become the focus of legislation and development of good professional practice.

A new book entitled Impacting Health at Work seeks to give readers a firm understanding of the principles in developing a health promoting workplace through an examination of key policy issues and specific health topics. Whilst it draws on a firm research evidence base, the book takes an essentially practical approach to impacting health at work through understanding the problems and suggesting a range of commonsense and achievable strategies that are accessible to those who seek to impact health at work.

Readership:
This book is ideal for law enforcement officers (Environmental Health Officers and HSE Inspectors), health promotion officers, health and safety advisors, progressive managers, trade union representatives, occupational health nurses, public health nurses and doctors.

Authors:
Harold D Harvey, MSc BSc FCIEH MRSH MIOSH RSP, Director, Environmental Health Protection and Safety Centre, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland

Paul Fleming, BEd MSc PDHE FRIPH MIHPE, Co-ordinator of Academic Affairs (Health Promotion), Multidisciplinary Public Health Division, School of Nursing, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland

Price: £25.95 (€39). May 2004

Contact: Chadwick House Publishing, Chadwick Court, 15 Hatfields, London SE1 8DJ, UK | Tel: +44 (0)207 827 5830 | Fax: +44 (0) 2107 827 9930 | Email: Publications@chgl.com | www.cieh.org

Chemical Industry vows involvement in Children's Health Plan

Plan can bring benefits to children's health, but should address all relevant factors

Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, is dedicated to co-operating with the European Commission in tackling issues of environmentally-triggered childhood diseases. It believes the SCALE* Action Plan released today can be a good basis in addressing theses issues, provided it is based on sound science and considers all environmental factors that contribute to the onset of disease.

Cefic has been actively involved in the consultative process of shaping the Action Plan, and feels the issue of children's health is a valid and important one. It has valued this opportunity to co-operate with the European Commission and aims to maintain its involvement as the Plan's implementation unfolds.

"A European Action Plan to improve children's health and environment can bring considerable benefits to their lifestyle," said Alain Perroy, Director General of Cefic. "To do so, the plan must be built on well-grounded scientific facts to provide proper assessment of potential risk. It should also identify and prioritise all environmental factors, including physical, biological, chemical, life-style, and socio-economic. Continued engagement of all stakeholders is therefore crucial for a successful implementation of the Plan".

The Chemical Industry is committed to improving quality of life through its products and processes, and children have long been a consideration in risk assessment and product development. Through its global Long-range Research Initiative (LRI), the chemical industry funds independent research to further our understanding of the interactions between chemicals, human health and the environment.

*The European Commission's new Environment and Health Strategy published jointly by DG Environment, Sanco and Research to address issues relevant to environmentally-triggered childhood diseases.

For further information:

• Caroline De Bie | +32 2 676 72 89 | cdb@cefic.be
• Krysia Klemme | +32 2 676 72 31 | mla@cefic.be
• Marc Devisscher | +32 2 67 672 23 | mde@cefic.be

Safety Management in Disaster and Terrorism Response

Every day across the US nation, emergencies occur that threaten our lives, well-being, property, peace, and security. Every day, we rely upon our local police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, public health professionals, and others to arrive quickly and do what needs to be done to restore the safety, the security, the peace, and the routine to our lives...

When a disaster, whether natural or manmade, overwhelms the resources and capabilities of local organizations, responders come in from other cities, counties, and states—jurisdictions near and far—as well as from federal agencies, to assist those with local responsibility... One characteristic of these large, rare, dynamic events is the rapidly evolving complexity that faces individuals trying to effectively manage all of the organizations and people, operations and tasks, equipment and supplies, communications, and the safety and health of all involved...

This report addresses the protection of emergency responders against injury, illness, and death on just such rare occasions, when emergencies become disasters... This report focuses on preparedness (especially planning and training) and management as means of controlling and reducing the hazards emergency responders face. It provides a set of recommendations on how disaster site safety and health management might be improved...

This report builds on systems and practices currently in use and was developed primarily for use by local emergency responders, those individuals and organizations who have been tasked with disaster site safety and health responsibilities. Additionally, the report should prove useful to legislators and other federal, state, county, and municipal officials; trade union officials; industry executives; safety and health professionals; and researchers who are engaged in and committed to efforts to make our nation more secure, to respond effectively and safely to disaster, and to protect a critically important resource—the community of emergency responders.

The research described in this report was a joint effort of the Science and Technology Policy Institute (operated by RAND from 1992-November 2003 under Contract ENG-9812731) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

NIOSH Publication No. 2004-144: Protecting Emergency Responders, Volume 3
is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted.

Copies of this and other NIOSH documents are available from NIOSH. For information about occupational safety and health topics contact NIOSH at:

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Publications Dissemination, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998, USA | Tel: + 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) | Fax: 513-533-8573 | Email: pubstaft@cdc.gov | www.cdc.gov/niosh

Overtime and Extended Work Shifts: Recent Findings on Illnesses, Injuries and Health Behaviors

This new publication from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) presents an integrative review of the methods and findings from 52 studies that were published between 1995 and 2002 and examined the relationship between long work hours and selected health outcomes. The review indicates that the influence of long working hours on health and safety involves a complex interaction of a number of factors. Authors recommend issues and priorities to consider in future research.

NIOSH Publication No. 2004-143 is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted.

Copies of this and other NIOSH documents are available from NIOSH. For information about occupational safety and health topics contact NIOSH at:

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Publications Dissemination, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998, USA | Tel: + 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) | Fax: 513-533-8573 | Email: pubstaft@cdc.gov | www.cdc.gov/niosh | Outside the U.S. +1 513-533-8328

Cefic bestows first Innovative Science Award

Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, announces the winner of the first LRI (Long-range Research) Innovative Science Award. Dr. Roger Godschalk of University of Maastricht, NL will receive €100,000 to conduct research on Paternal carcinogen exposures and genetic risks in their offspring. The award was presented yesterday in conjunction with the Federation of European Toxicologist & European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX) at a ceremony in Brussels.

Dr Godschalk's research investigates a new technique to determine possible transmission of DNA damage to the offspring of animals exposed to a Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a carcinogenic and mutagenic substance. This work could lead to reduced needs of animals in toxicity testing and to a better understanding of risks stemming from workplace exposure to chemicals with similar properties.

The LRI Innovative Science Award aims to support creative new research in areas not traditionally supported by funding. It particularly emphasises the need to address the interface between disciplines, and knowledge transfer from one discipline to another.

"Our congratulations to Dr Godschalk who demonstrated particular innovative flair in his approach to toxicology," says Prof. Peter Calow who chaired the Selection Panel. "All the finalists have shown high research qualities and outlined innovative research concepts. The panel congratulates everyone on their work."

The winner will be invited to present his ideas at the 10th International Congress of Toxicology in Tampere, Finland. (www.iutox.org) Details of the presentations given by all four finalists can be found on the LRI website at www.cefic-lri.org

The LRI programme is a global initiative of the chemical industry that sets out to identify and fill gaps in our understanding of the hazards posed by chemicals and to improve the techniques available for assessing the associated risks. LRI funds research in the fields of human exposure, alternatives to animal testing and environmental fate of chemicals.

EUROTOX is the Federation of national societies of toxicology in Europe, which aims to foster toxicology, both scientifically and educationally, in all countries of Europe. To this, EUROTOX organises an annual scientific congress, workshops, and postgraduate training courses. EUROTOX is actively harmonising toxicology education and training, having established the European Register of Toxicologists in 1994. It participates in the world-wide recognition of toxicologists. www.eurotox.com

EUROHSE2004 and FSE2004: Two conferences not to be missed... book now

Following the two successful conferences held in 2003, you should make sure that you are able to attend these two important conferences organised by Angel Business Communications - the publisher of EurOhs: European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine and newsletter and Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. Latest news and updates on a wide range of topics, given by speakers from authoritative organisations and chaired by knowledgeable and experienced people. Delegates from a wide range of countries benefit from the exceptional networking opportunities. Make sure that these are the conferences you attend in 2004!

9 November 2004 - Food Safety in Europe 2004
Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London
Contact: Mary Meadows, Office and Logistics Manager, European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine (EurOhs), Angel Business Communications Ltd | 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HE, Warwickshire, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1926 512424 | Fax: + 44 (0)1926 512948 | Email: mary@angelbc.co.uk | www.fse2004.com

10 - 11 November 2004 - EurOhse2004
Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London
Contact: Mary Meadows, Office and Logistics Manager, European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine (EurOhs), Angel Business Communications Ltd | 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HE, Warwickshire, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1926 512424 | Fax: + 44 (0)1926 512948 | Email: mary@angelbc.co.uk | www.eurohse2004.com

Environment, Fire and Health and Safety Information at your fingertips

SHEILA PANTRY ASSOCIATES LTD offer the following products, using SilverPlatter WinSPIRS or WebSPIRS software, which are available on CD-ROM and via the Internet. All are updated quarterly.

ENVIRONMENT PLUS

So you need up-to-date environment and integrated pollution prevention control (IPPC) information? Looking for essential environment and IPPC legislation and guidance? Don't look any further! It's all on ENVIRONMENT PLUS which is the definitive source to help you to meet your ISO 14001 information needs for accreditation requirements. Thousands of full text pages of information are instantly accessible in ENVIRONMENT PLUS. Used by organisations worldwide.

FIRE WORLDWIDE

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Fire Worldwide is the World's premier collection of validated, authoritative information contains two major collections - the Full Text Collection and the Bibliographic Collection - containing thousands of full text authoritative pages of information. Used by brigades and other fire information seekers.

There is information on every subject from airport fire safety, to the use of abandoned buildings for fire training, facemasks, forest fires, loss prevention, sprinklers, and wildland fires. One of the databases - from the British Standards Institution contains references to over 2800 fire and fire related standards.

OSH-IRELAND

OSH-IRELAND has become THE essential OSH source for organisations and practitioners seeking up-to-date information on all aspects of health and safety in Ireland. OSH-IRELAND is published with the co-operation of the Health and Safety Authority, Dublin, Ireland and other organisations, and contains 11 databases of all the appropriate occupational safety and health information.

There is no equivalent product to OSH Ireland. Powerful software, yet easy to use and gives immediate information to a wide range of essential OSH information.

OSH-ROM

OSH-ROM is one of the world's oldest collections of health and safety information. Started in 1986, by Sheila Pantry and SilverPlatter Information it brings together six complementary bibliographic databases covering critical international occupational health and safety information. OSH-ROM is a unique and vital resource for information concerning occupational health and safety, hazardous incidents, and the handling of dangerous materials. The individual databases contain over 1.2 million citations from over 5000 journals and 100,000 monographs and technical reports.

• RILOSH Ryerson International Labour Occupational Safety and Health Index is produced by the Ryerson Technical University Library, Toronto, Canada, and is included in OSH-ROM by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd.

RILOSH is a comprehensive database of bibliographic references and covers international as well as Canadian and American health and safety, chemical toxicology, environmental health, safety engineering, biotechnology, biohazards, workers' compensation and workplace disability information. Other major databases are:

• HSELINE from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Information Services
• CISDOC from the International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS) of the ILO
• MHIDAS the Major Hazard Incident Data Service, created by AEA Technology Plc on behalf of the Major Hazards Assessment Unit of the UK Health and Safety Executive
• MEDLINE Advanced OEM Subset: Occupational and Environmental Medicine a subset of the US National Library of Medicine's (NLM) MEDLINE database
• NIOSHTIC and NIOSHTIC2 from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

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All the products are available on a 30 day free trial. Why not try these for yourself and check out the contents of these exciting sources of information against your own workplace/academic needs.

Contact: Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, 85 The Meadows, Todwick, Sheffield S26 1JG, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1909 771024 | Fax: +44 (0)1909 772829 | email: sp@sheilapantry.com.

EurOhs Newsletter free of charge

You can register to receive both EurOhs: European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine published 8 times per year and also the EurOhs weekly electronic newsletter. Both are free of charge to those working in occupational health, safety, environment and fire Sectors.

Angel Business Communications Ltd, 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warks CV8 1HE, United Kingdom | www.angelbc.com | Tel: +44 (0) 1926 512424 | Fax: +44 (0) 1926 512948 | Mobile: 07973 158294