CURRENT ISSUE
LEAD
The Art of Health and Safety
What does stained glass have to do with lead exposure? A clue is in its more accurate name: “leaded art glass.” In this article, a stained glass conservator and an industrial hygienist discuss their goals for lead safety in the workplace.
EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT
Refining Hydrocarbon Exposure Assessment Strategy
Traditionally, assessing personal exposures in the oil and gas industry was performed using the concept of “total hydrocarbons,” or THCs. But an alternative exposure assessment strategy drops the use of THCs and adds analysis of hydrocarbon mixtures.
Introducing PSX
It has been a year of change for the conference formerly known as Stewardship. Rebranded as PSX, the 2020 event, scheduled to be held in September in Houston, was switched to a virtual-only format due to safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SPECIAL SECTION
DUST
A New Tool for Preventing Combustible Dust Incidents
From the February 2020 issue: Central to the 2019 edition of NFPA 652, Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust, is the requirement for owners or operators of facilities with potentially combustible dust to conduct a Dust Hazard Analysis. The standard sets a deadline of Sept. 7, 2020, for completion of the DHA.
VIEWPOINT
EPA's New Clearance Standards for Lead
A new rule announced by EPA in June proposes new levels for clearance following lead-based paint activities. This change will bring EPA requirements more in line with the requirements of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for its grantees.
ETHICS
BGC Brings Back the CIH (Retired)
The Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC) is reestablishing a designation that had been eliminated in 2011: the CIH (Retired). This hypothetical scenario illustrates potential ethical complications related to its use.
SPONSORS
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP
Pandemic Product Stewardship
Since at least the turn of the century, increasing globalization had raised concerns that supply chains have become so lean and efficient that they are vulnerable to disruptions. When the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency on Jan. 30, these fears began to come true.
SPECIAL SECTION
Helping Small Employers Reopen Safely
An AIHA task force worked tirelessly to develop industry-specific guidance intended to help business owners, employers, employees, and consumers implement science-based procedures for limiting the spread of COVID-19 as businesses reopen during the pandemic.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
BACTERIA AND VIRUSES
No Boundaries
From the April 2018 issue: As the incidence of highly hazardous communicable diseases continues to rise, all relevant professionals, including industrial hygienists, should be involved in prevention efforts, training and education for occupations with potential exposure, and advocacy for increased federal support.
HEALTHCARE
Protecting Home Healthcare Aides
From the April 2019 issue: Providing care in the home is one of the most cost-effective and efficient mechanisms for maintaining patient health, but home healthcare workers are among the most vulnerable workers in the United States.
Although the print version of The Synergist indicated The IAQ Investigator's Guide, 3rd edition, was already published, it isn't quite ready yet. We will be sure to let readers know when the Guide is available for purchase in the AIHA Marketplace.
My apologies for the error.
- Ed Rutkowski, Synergist editor
Disadvantages of being unacclimatized:
- Readily show signs of heat stress when exposed to hot environments.
- Difficulty replacing all of the water lost in sweat.
- Failure to replace the water lost will slow or prevent acclimatization.
- Increased sweating efficiency (earlier onset of sweating, greater sweat production, and reduced electrolyte loss in sweat).
- Stabilization of the circulation.
- Work is performed with lower core temperature and heart rate.
- Increased skin blood flow at a given core temperature.
- Gradually increase exposure time in hot environmental conditions over a period of 7 to 14 days.
- For new workers, the schedule should be no more than 20% of the usual duration of work in the hot environment on day 1 and a no more than 20% increase on each additional day.
- For workers who have had previous experience with the job, the acclimatization regimen should be no more than 50% of the usual duration of work in the hot environment on day 1, 60% on day 2, 80% on day 3, and 100% on day 4.
- The time required for non–physically fit individuals to develop acclimatization is about 50% greater than for the physically fit.
- Relative to the initial level of physical fitness and the total heat stress experienced by the individual.
- Can be maintained for a few days of non-heat exposure.
- Absence from work in the heat for a week or more results in a significant loss in the beneficial adaptations leading to an increase likelihood of acute dehydration, illness, or fatigue.
- Can be regained in 2 to 3 days upon return to a hot job.
- Appears to be better maintained by those who are physically fit.
- Seasonal shifts in temperatures may result in difficulties.
- Working in hot, humid environments provides adaptive benefits that also apply in hot, desert environments, and vice versa.
- Air conditioning will not affect acclimatization.
Acclimatization in Workers