CURRENT ISSUE
CHEMICAL AND MATERIAL HAZARDS
Conquering Toxic Metals
For many organizations, controlling worker exposures to toxic metals and preventing cross-contamination in surrounding and adjacent work areas are difficult challenges. This article advises how to look for toxic metals in the workplace, emphasizes compliance strategies, and identifies best practices to control toxic metal exposures and minimize cross-contamination.
IH PROFESSION
More than a Logo
AIHA’s rebranding initiative does not signify a change in mission or vision; it is an external-facing communication strategy, an attempt to foster excitement for the profession by better explaining the role of OEHS practitioners.
Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 at Overnight Camps
A report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August provides details about how four overnight camps in Maine used nonpharmaceutical interventions to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 among campers and staff.
BY THE NUMBERS
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.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Members Respond to Multiple Crises
AIHA has partnered with the NIEHS Worker Training Program to develop guidance for volunteers during a natural disaster. The guidance presents control measures to protect against exposure to SARS-CoV-2 before, during, and after natural disasters.
NEWSWATCH
CDC: Even Healthy Young Adults Can Have Prolonged Illness from COVID-19
A report published by CDC finds that COVID-19 can result in prolonged illness even among individuals with milder, outpatient illness. CDC's findings include young adults without underlying chronic medical conditions.
SPONSORS
MEMBERSHIP
IH Pride
A recent series on the SynergistNOW blog features the stories shared by AIHA members about how their job affected an individual worker, a group of people, or the profession as a whole. In this issue, The Synergist presents edited versions of four recent posts in the series.
VIEWPOINT
How EHS Professionals Make a Difference
A cornerstone of EHS has always been the implementation of preventive measures, from risk assessments to training and communication. These measures, if effective, go unrecognized. But EHS professionals can and do drive change and add value to their organizations. Here's how.
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