CURRENT ISSUE
BACTERIA AND VIRUSES
COVID-19 and the Industrial Hygienist
The authors draw from their experiences on the front lines, their work with healthcare professionals caring for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, and their knowledge and experience to answer frequently asked questions about disease transmission, controls, and the skills necessary for a successful response.
CONTROLS
Transition Space
Compounding pharmacies use engineering controls to maintain a high level of cleanliness. An innovative design for pharmacy anterooms can help manage the need to contain hazardous drugs within the compounding space while also preventing the airborne infiltration of contaminants.
Presymptomatic and Asymptomatic Transmission of COVID-19
Reports released by CDC in March and April characterize asymptomatic and presymptomatic spread of COVID-19 in China, in clusters of cases in Singapore, on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, and in a Seattle nursing home.
BY THE NUMBERS
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.
NEWSWATCH
OSHA Allows Extended Use and Reuse of Respirators During COVID-19 Crisis
OSHA compliance officers may use their discretion to permit the extended use and reuse of respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to interim guidance issued on April 3. The guidance applies immediately to all industries.
SPECIAL SECTION
AIHce EXP 2020 Exhibitor List
AIHA announced on April 15 that AIHce EXP 2020 will be held as a virtual-only conference and expo June 1–3. The virtual event will include a Virtual Expo Hall and topic-specific chat rooms for exhibitors to engage with attendees throughout the program.
SPONSORS
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Navigating Electrical Hazards
Industrial hygienists often need to work in or around unfamiliar locations that may present electrical hazards. This article provides basic information about the classification of these hazardous spaces, commonly referenced standards, and other sources of information.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
What’s Up with Duct Cleaning?
Air handling equipment must be inspected, cleaned, and maintained to provide good IAQ.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
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.
WORKSITE HAZARDS
The Other Hygienists
From the December 2019 issue: Dentists and dental personnel face unique occupational exposures, including bacteria, viruses, dusts, gases, radiation, and other respiratory hazards. In addition, many dental offices are small employers that may be exempt from some OSHA requirements. What does all this mean for dental workers when it comes to workplace hazards?
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