Mold and Asbestos Information

FREE Personal Air Purifier Offer!

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:31:00 +0000

Free Personal Air Purifier with Purchase of Blueair Air Cleaner - a $50 value! Exclusive Offer! Limited Time Only!

2009 H1N1 Flu: Free Resources

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:45:00 +0000

The CDC website has a large amount of free resources concerining the H1N1 Flu. On the webpage entitled 2009 H1N1 Flu: Free Resources are free brochures, flyers, podcasts and other free resources

Are you or a loved one sick and worried you might have H1N1 Flu?

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:43:00 +0000

As per flu.gov - During flu season this year, you might have to wait a long time in a crowded waiting room before you can see your doctor or be seen in an Emergency Room. Some people with the flu need to be seen right away. Other people can often take care of themselves at home just fine. This information may help you better understand the flu and what people like you should do.

This information is not a substitute for your doctor's advice. The H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation was developed in collaboration with the Emory University School of Medicine and is here to help you understand the flu symptoms you or your family member may be having so that you can make your own health decisions.

This information is only for individuals ages 18 and above. You can find additional information on flu and young adults or children at www.flu.gov .

H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation

Biological Pollutants in Your Home

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:35:00 +0000

What Are Biological Pollutants?

As per the Consumer Product Safety Commission - Biological pollutants are or were living organisms. They promote poor indoor air quality and may be a major cause of days lost from work or school, and of doctor and hospital visits. Some can even damage surfaces inside and outside your house. Biological pollutants can travel through the air and are often invisible.

Some common indoor biological pollutants are:

Animal Dander (minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin)
Dust Mite and Cockroach parts
Infectious agents (bacteria or viruses)
Pollen

Some of these substances are in every home. It is impossible to get rid of them all. Even a spotless home may permit the growth of biological pollutants. Two conditions are essential to support biological growth nutrients and moisture. These conditions can be found in many locations, such as bathrooms, damp or flooded basements, wet appliances (such as humidifiers or air conditioners), and even some carpets and furniture.

Modern materials and construction techniques may reduce the amount of outside air brought into buildings which may result in high moisture levels inside. Using humidifiers, unvented heaters, and air conditioners in our homes has increased the chances of moisture forming on interior surfaces. This encourages the growth of certain biological pollutants.

How severe is illness associated with 2009 H1N1 flu virus?

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:34:00 +0000

As per the CDC - Illness with 2009 H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.

In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

Young children are also at high risk of serious complications from 2009 H1N1, just as they are from seasonal flu. And while people 65 and older are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu, if they get sick, they are also at “high risk” of developing serious complications from their illness. See People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications for more information about who is more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death.

CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.

How can people decrease mold exposure?

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:10:00 +0000

As per the CDC

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318, or by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html .
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

H1N1 Pandemic Update by Who

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:15:00 +0000

As reported by WHO - As of 11 October 2009, worldwide there have been more than 399232 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 and over 4735 deaths reported to WHO.

As many countries have stopped counting individual cases, particularly of milder illness, the case count is significantly lower than the actually number of cases that have occurred. WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of data.

Influenza activity continues to increase in the northern temperate zones across the world. In North America, the United States is now experiencing nationwide rates of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) well above seasonal baseline rates with high rates of pandemic H1N1 2009 virus detections in clinical laboratory specimens. Canada is reporting increases in ILI rates for the third straight week with some provinces now crossing the baseline. Mexico also reports high intensity and active transmission in some areas of the country. Western Europe and northern Asia are experiencing increased rates of ILI, well above baseline in some countries but activity is generally not as widespread as in North America. Of note, nearly half of the influenza viruses detected in China are seasonal influenza A (H3N2) viruses, which appeared prior to and is co-circulating with pandemic H1N1 2009 virus.

The tropical zones continue to have transmission that is mixed as some countries have now peaked and are declining, while others are experiencing increases. In the tropical region of the Americas, several Caribbean Island nations are now reporting increased rates of illness while Brazil, Costa Rica and other countries on the continent are declining. In South Asia, most countries now report a decline in rates of illness.

Influenza rates in the temperate zones of the Southern Hemisphere have all returned to below baseline levels and very few detections of pandemic H1N1 2009 virus are being reported.

Three articles of interest published this week in the peer reviewed literature reported three different series of seriously ill pandemic influenza patients in Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. Several important observations were made including:

For complete article visit Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 70

Mold Remediation and Removal by The Mack Group

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:58:00 +0000

The MACK Group, LLC provides mold remediation and cleanup contracting services.

Mold Remediation Basics

The purpose of mold remediation is to remove the mold to prevent human exposure and damage to building materials and furnishings.

It is necessary to clean up mold contamination, not just to kill the mold.

Dead mold is still allergenic, and some dead molds are potentially toxic.

Mold Remediation Planning

The MACK Group, LLC considers the following questions when planning the remediation of mold:

Are there existing moisture problems in the building?

Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?

Are there hidden sources of water or is the humidity too high (high enough to cause condensation)?

Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?

Are building occupants reporting health problems?

Are building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?

Has maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?

Has the building been recently remodeled or has building use changed?

Is consultation with medical or health professionals indicated?

Mold Remediation Means and Methods

A variety of mold cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. This may include:

Wet Vacuum

Damp Wipe

HEPA Vacuum

Interior Demolition - Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in sealed bags before removal from the containment area to minimize the dispersion of mold spores throughout the building. Large items that have heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area.

The MACK Group, LLC selects remediation personnel who have the experience and training needed to implement the remediation plan and use Personal Protection Equipment and containment as appropriate.

Remediation and Cleanup Final Steps

The MACK Group, LLC makes sure the mold remediation is complete by:

Making sure the water or moisture problem is completely fixed.

Use of professional judgment to determine if the cleanup is sufficient. Visible mold, mold-damaged materials, and moldy odors will not be present.

Via air sampling, the kinds and concentrations of mold and mold spores in the building should be similar to those found outside, once cleanup activities have been completed.

We revisit the site(s) shortly after remediation to look for signs of water damage or mold growth.

The clients personnel and tenants will be able to occupy or re-occupy the space without health complaints or physical symptoms.

We offer our remediation services within the Continental United States with particular emphasis in New Jersey (NJ), New york (NY), Pennsylvania (PA), Ohio (OH), Delaware (DE), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Connecticut (CT), West Virginia (WV), Indiana (IN) and Illinois (IL)

About The MACK Group, LLC

The MACK Group, LLC is an expert contractor providing a wide range of services from asbestos removal and abatement to decontamination nationwide as well as Puerto Rico. We take great pride in our impeccable safety record and our commitment to meeting our client’s project schedules and monetary budgets. Our services include asbestos, mold and lead abatement and removal, industrial and pharmaceutical duct cleaning and biological and chemical remediation, and all types of concrete surface preparation and floor covering removal (shot blasting, terminator sales, etc.).

Contact Information:

The MACK Group, LLC – Corporate HQ
1500 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 209
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 877-759-MACK
Fax: 973-759-5554
Web: http://www.mackgrp.com

For more information contact: Steve King at 877-759-MACK or via email at sking@mackgrp.com

Swine Flu Contamination and Cleaning CDC Source

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:13:00 +0000

As per the CDC - Contamination & Cleaning

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?

Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

*What if soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed in my facility?
Though the scientific evidence is not as extensive as that on hand washing and alcohol-based sanitizers, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful for killing flu germs on hands.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm

Mold Course - Intro to Mold Remediation

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Mold Course - Introduction to Mold and Mold Remediation for Environmental and Public Health Professionals.

If you are an environmental and/or public health professional, take the Mold Course - Introduction to Mold and Mold Remediation for Environmental and Public Health Professionals.

This web-only course contains information on mold prevention and remediation. It is designed primarily for environmental and public health professionals. The Mold Course has nine chapters; these chapters are further divided into smaller lessons. At the end of each chapter there is a voluntary quiz to test your understanding of the material covered. Each chapter may be accessed at any point in the course using the menu on the left side of the page. If you would like to take a short quiz on your current mold knowledge, begin with the Pre-Test. A Mold Image Library contains mold-related images in seven categories: mold in the environment; magnified mold; moisture and moisture damage; prevention; mold in buildings; finding mold and moisture; and cleaning and remediation. These photos may be used for presentations and educational purposes without contacting EPA.

Read more about the course

Source: www.epa.gov

Remodeling Your House? Beware of Lead Based Paint Hazards

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Lead has long been recognized as a harmful environmental pollutant. In late 1991, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services called lead the "number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States." There are many ways in which humans are exposed to lead: through air, drinking water, food, contaminated soil, deteriorating paint, and dust. Airborne lead enters the body when an individual breathes or swallows lead particles or dust once it has settled. Before it was known how harmful lead could be, it was used in paint, gasoline, water pipes, and many other products.

Old lead-based paint is the most significant source of lead exposure in the U.S. today. Most homes built before 1960 contain heavily leaded paint. Some homes built as recently as 1978 may also contain lead paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls, the outside of homes, or other surfaces. Harmful exposures to lead can be created when lead-based paint is improperly removed from surfaces by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning. High concentrations of airborne lead particles in homes can also result from lead dust from outdoor sources, including contaminated soil tracked inside, and use of lead in certain indoor activities such as soldering and stained-glass making.

Health Effects of Exposure to Lead

Lead affects practically all systems within the body. At high levels it can cause convulsions, coma, and even death. Lower levels of lead can adversely affect the brain, central nervous system, blood cells, and kidneys.

The effects of lead exposure on fetuses and young children can be severe. They include delays in physical and mental development, lower IQ levels, shortened attention spans, and increased behavioral problems. Fetuses, infants, and children are more vulnerable to lead exposure than adults since lead is more easily absorbed into growing bodies, and the tissues of small children are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Children may have higher exposures since they are more likely to get lead dust on their hands and then put their fingers or other lead-contaminated objects into their mouths.

Get your child tested for lead exposure. To find out where to do this, call your doctor or local health clinic. For more information on health effects, get a copy of the Centers for Disease Control's, Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children (October 1991).

For more information visit: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-lead.html

2009 H1N1 Flu Situation Update

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:20:00 +0000

Key Flu Indicators (as per the CDC)
Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators in a report called FluView. During the week of August 16-22, 2009, a review of these key indictors found that influenza activity is either stable, or is increasing in some areas. Activity appears to be increasing in the Southeast based on influenza-like illness data reported by health care providers.

A summary of the most recent key indicators can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm

How You Can Become Exposed to Asbestos?

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Before it was known that inhalation of asbestos fibers causes several deadly diseases— including asbestosis, a progressive and often fatal lung disease, and lung and other cancers—asbestos was used in a large number of building materials and other products because of its strength, flame resistance, and insulating properties. Asbestos was used in asbestos-cement pipe and sheeting, floor and roofing felts, dry wall, floor tiles, spray on ceiling coatings, and packing materials. When buildings containing these materials are renovated or torn down, or when the asbestos-containing materials themselves are disturbed, minute asbestos fibers may be released into the air. The fibers are so small that they often cannot be seen with the naked eye; the fact that you can inhale these fibers without knowing it makes asbestos an even more dangerous hazard.

For more information on this, and other health-related issues impacting workers, visit
OSHA’s Web site at www.osha.gov

Refractory ceramic fibers (CASRN Not found)

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Refractory ceramic fibers; CASRN Not foundHealth assessment information on a chemical substance is included in IRIS only after a comprehensive review of chronic toxicity data by U.S. EPA health scientists from several Program Offices and the Office of Research and Development. The summaries presented in Sections I and II represent a consensus reached in the review process. Background information and explanations of the methods used to derive the values given in IRIS are provided in the Background Documents.

More info at http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0647.htm

What can I do to prepare for Hurricane Isabel or other drinking water emergencies?

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:35:00 +0000

EPA recommends that you should have at least a three-gallon supply of water per person. Typically, this would be enough water for three days. Water should be stored in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Soft drink bottles, for instance, work very well. The containers should be tightly sealed, labeled and stored in a cool, dark place. Under these conditions, water can be stored for six months. If you do not have stored water and there is an emergency, you can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. The water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl) can also be used as a last resort. The following Web sites provide additional information, including where to find water outside your home, ways to purify water and other steps you can take to prepare for natural disasters.

Federal Emergency Management Agency -- http://www.fema.gov / American Red Cross -- http://www.redcross.org /home Department of Homeland Security -- http://www.ready.gov /

Facemask and Respirator Use to Reduce Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:16:00 +0000

This document has been updated in accordance with the CDC Recommendations for the Amount of Time Persons with Influenza-Like Illness Should be Away from Others . This document provides interim guidance and will be updated as needed.

This document provides updated interim guidance on the use of facemasks and respirators for decreasing the exposure to novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. This guidance replaces other CDC guidance on mask and/or respirator use that may be included in other CDC documents in regards to the outbreak of novel H1N1 virus. No change has been made to guidance on the use of facemasks and respirators for health care settings. This document includes guidance on facemask and respirator use for a wider range of settings than was included in previous documents and includes recommendations for those who are at increased risk of severe illness from infection with the novel H1N1 virus compared with those who are at lower risk of severe illness from influenza infection.For more information about human infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, visit the CDC H1N1 Flu website. Other CDC novel H1N1 guidance will be updated with the information contained in this document as soon as possible.

For more info go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm

EPA Announces New Steps to Protect Americans from Lead Poisoning

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:42:00 +0000

Actions to reduce overall exposures to lead
Release date: 08/26/2009

Contact Information: Dale Kemery kemery.dale@epa.gov 202-564-7839 202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2009WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a series of steps to increase protections against and raise awareness of lead-based products in our environment and communities, particularly to prevent lead poisoning in children. The steps announced today are:

· Additional proposed requirements to protect children from lead-based paint
· A new effort to ban the manufacture of lead in tire weights
· A lead poisoning prevention video contest, asking people to submit videos demonstrating steps that can be taken to prevent childhood lead poisoning

“As both EPA Administrator and as a mother, my highest priority is protecting our children from environmental threats in the places where they live, play and learn. Lead is still present in many of our neighborhoods, but we can limit exposure to children and adults by working together on comprehensive actions like these,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We're committed to giving our nation’s children the fullest protection possible, and giving parents clear assurance that their children are safe from harm.”

The additional requirements on lead-based paint that EPA intends to propose are the result of a settlement of litigation brought by the Sierra Club, the New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning and other stakeholder groups in 2008. The settlement calls for proposed revisions to the 2008 rule governing lead safe work practices used during repair, remodeling and renovations to reduce exposures to lead-based paint hazards for young children, the most sensitive population, as well as for older children and adults.

EPA will propose to expand lead safe work practices and other protective requirements for renovation and painting work involving lead paint to most buildings built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned for residential use. Under the proposed requirements, renovation firms would have to conduct tests to ensure that lead levels in dust comply with EPA’s regulatory standards after certain renovation, repair, and painting activities are performed and provide information to building occupants on the lead safe work practices utilized during renovations.

The agency is proposing that lead safe work practices be required at the vast majority of residential buildings and public and commercial buildings undergoing exterior renovations that involve lead-based paint. EPA will determine whether renovations in the interior of public and commercial buildings create hazardous levels of lead dust.EPA will undertake at least three separate rulemakings to expand coverage and strengthen requirements of the 2008 Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, which will be available for public comment.

EPA will also pursue a ban on the manufacture and distribution of lead tire weights in response to a 2009 petition from the Ecology Center, the Sierra Club and other NGOs requesting that the agency establish regulations prohibiting the manufacture, processing, and distribution of lead tire weights. Lead weights are used predominately in the tire replacement market to balance tires of autos and light trucks in the United States. They can fall off tires and then break down and contaminate soil, wash into sewers, or end up being transported to municipal landfills or incinerators. EPA estimates that 2,000 tons of lead from tire weights are lost from vehicles and ultimately end up in the environment each year. Tire weights without lead are already being used and can be effectively substituted.

Finally, in order to further educate the public on the potential dangers of lead poisoning, EPA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are soliciting creative videos from the public for a lead poisoning prevention video contest.

The three agencies are interested in videos that convey easy, low-cost steps that can be taken to prevent childhood lead poisoning and inspire individuals and communities to change their behavior to prevent exposure to this harmful chemical. Examples of possible video topics include:

· Educating the public about the dangers of lead poisoning in children
· Steps you can take to prevent children from lead dust poisoning if they spend time in older homes, schools, or child care settings
· The importance of hiring a trained professional to conduct safe renovation, repair or painting work that involves lead-based paint
· Simple safe work practices to follow when renovating a home with lead-based paint
· The importance of getting your child tested for lead if you live in an older home.

The deadline for entries is October 1, 2009 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The winners will be awarded cash prizes in the amount of $2,500 (1st prize), $1,500 (2nd prize) and $1,000 (3rd prize). Winning videos will be featured on EPA, CDC and HUD’s Web sites. Winners will be announced during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31, 2009.

Lead causes a variety of adverse health effects, including brain and nervous system disorders, high blood pressure and hypertension, and reproductive problems. For children, even low levels of exposure to lead can cause a host of developmental effects such as learning disabilities, decreased intelligence, and speech, language, and behavioral problems, which can impact children for a lifetime.

More information on today’s announcements: http://www.epa.gov/lead/

Mold - What is the public health problem?

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:12:00 +0000

Mold can cause fungal allergy and respiratory infections or worsen certain illnesses such as asthma. Molds are microorganisms that are found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. The potential health effects of exposure to indoor mold are of increasing concern. Nevertheless, no conclusive evidence exists that inhalation of indoor mold is associated with a multitude of other health problems, such as pulmonary hemorrhage, memory loss, and lack of energy.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/MOLD/pib.htm

What is novel H1N1 aka Swine Flu?

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Novel H1N1 Flu

Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

CDC Advisors Make Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against Novel H1N1

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:37:00 +0000

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today to make recommendations for use of vaccine against novel influenza A (H1N1).

The committee met to develop recommendations on who should receive vaccine against novel influenza A (H1N1) when it becomes available, and to determine which groups of the population should be prioritized if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities.

The committee recommended the vaccination efforts focus on five key populations. Vaccination efforts are designed to help reduce the impact and spread of novel H1N1. The key populations include those who are at higher risk of disease or complications, those who are likely to come in contact with novel H1N1, and those who could infect young infants. When vaccine is first available, the committee recommended that programs and providers try to vaccinate:

pregnant women,
people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
health care and emergency medical services personnel,
persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

The groups listed above total approximately 159 million people in the United States.

The committee does not expect that there will be a shortage of novel H1N1 vaccine, but availability and demand can be unpredictable. There is some possibility that initially the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. In this setting, the committee recommended that the following groups receive the vaccine before others:

pregnant women,
people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact,
children 6 months through 4 years of age, and
children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.

The committee recognized the need to assess supply and demand issues at the local level. The committee further recommended that once the demand for vaccine for these prioritized groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65.

The committee also stressed that people over the age of 65 receive the seasonal vaccine as soon as it is available. Even if novel H1N1 vaccine is initially only available in limited quantities, supply and availability will continue, so the committee stressed that programs and providers continue to vaccinate unimmunized patients and not keep vaccine in reserve for later administration of the second dose.

The novel H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine to protect people. Seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day.

####

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Hazards of Silica and Health Effects of Silicosis

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:42:00 +0000

Occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica occur in a variety of industries and occupations because of its extremely common natural occurrence and the wide uses of materials and products that contain it. At least 1.7 million U.S. workers are potentially exposed to respirable crystalline silica [NIOSH 1991], and many are exposed to concentrations that exceed limits defined by current regulations and standards.

Silicosis, usually a nodular pulmonary fibrosis, is the disease most associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Although the reported mortality associated with silicosis has declined over the past several decades, many silicosis associated deaths still occur (nearly 300 deaths were reported each year during the period 1992-1995) [NIOSH 1996a; Althouse 1998]. In addition, the number of silicosis associated deaths among persons aged 15 to 44 has not declined substantially [CDC 1998a,b]. An unknown number of workers also continue to die from silica-related diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), lung cancer, and scleroderma. The number of cases of silicosis and silica-related diseases in the United States today is unknown.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2002-129/02-129a.html

GENERAL ASBESTOS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:56:00 +0000

GENERAL ASBESTOS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

As per the Texas Department of State Health Services -

Since the 1890's, asbestos use has been expanded to hundreds of common industrial applications. However, increased environmental distribution of these products has also enlarged the size of the population exposed to asbestos. The health effects associated with occupational and non-occupational asbestos exposure, can create severe human diseases. The potential impact of these diseases has motivated public health authorities to control the use of asbestos. Ongoing federal and state programs oversee efforts to prevent environmental release, and abate existing asbestos sources.

On the website they answer several questions regarding asbestos:

What is asbestos?
How might I be exposed to asbestos fibers?
How do asbestos fibers enter and leave the body?
How can asbestos affect my health?
Is there a medical test to determine whether I have been exposed to asbestos fibers?
I have asbestos in my home. Do I need to do anything about it to protect my health?
I am going to perform a renovation or demolition to my building. Is there anything I should know about asbestos before I begin my project?
How do I get licensed to perform asbestos-related work in Texas?
I do site assessment surveys. Do I need a license to inspect for asbestos?
I need to get properly trained with respect to asbestos. Where can I receive the proper training?
I hear that to remove floor tile or sheet vinyl flooring that I don't need a license. Is that true?

Source: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/asbestos/faq.shtm

Engineering Controls for Silica in Construction

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:06:00 +0000

As per NIOSH - Construction workers may be exposed to hazardous dust containing silica during construction tasks, including tuckpointing brick, grinding concrete, breaking concrete pavement with a jackhammer, and cutting block and brick. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that exposure could be reduced through the use of engineering controls, including the use of local exhaust ventilation to capture dust at its source and the use of water sprays to suppress dust where it is produced. These pages provide information about those controls and utilize video-exposure monitoring clips to demonstrate their effectiveness.

For more information go to http://origin.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/silica/constructionControlMain.html

Symptoms of Silicosis as Per OSHA

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:05:00 +0000

What are the symptoms of silicosis?

Silicosis is classified into three types: chronic /classic, accelerated, and acute.
Chronic/classic silicosis, the most common, occurs after 15–20 years of moderate to low exposures to respirable crystalline silica. Symptoms associated with chronic silicosis may or may not be obvious; therefore, workers need to have a chest
x-ray to determine if there is lung damage. As the disease progresses, the worker may experience shortness of breath upon exercising and have clinical signs of poor oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange.

In the later stages, the worker may experience fatigue, extreme shortness of breath, chest pain, or respiratory failure.

Accelerated silicosis can occur after 5–10 years of high exposures to respirable crystalline silica. Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, weakness, and weight loss. The onset of symptoms takes longer than in acute silicosis.

Acute silicosis occurs after a few months or as long as 2 years following exposures to extremely high concentrations of respirable crystalline silica. Symptoms of acute silicosis include severe disabling shortness of breath, weakness, and weight loss, which often leads to death.

Source: http://www.osha-safety.org/osha_crystalline_silica.asp

Where are General Industry Employees Exposed to Crystalline Silica Dust

scrapmetalprices@gmail.com (scrap metal expert) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Where are general industry employeesexposed to crystalline silica dust?

The most severe exposures to crystalline silicaresult from abrasive blasting, which is done to cleanand smooth irregularities from molds, jewelry,and foundry castings, finish tombstones, etch orfrost glass, or remove paint, oils, rust, or dirt formobjects needing to be repainted or treated. Otherexposures to silica dust occur in cement and brickmanufacturing, asphalt pavement manufacturing,china and ceramic manufacturing and the tool anddie, steel and foundry industries. Crystalline silicais used in manufacturing, household abrasives,adhesives, paints, soaps, and glass. Additionally,crystalline silica exposures occur in the maintenance,repair and replacement of refractory brickfurnace linings.In the maritime industry, shipyard employeesare exposed to silica primarily in abrasiveblasting operations to remove paint and cleanand prepare steel hulls, bulkheads, decks, andtanks for paints and coatings.

Source: www.osha.gov