As per OSHA - Synthetic mineral fibers are fibrous inorganic substances made primarily from rock, clay, slag, or glass. These fibers are classified into three general groups: fiberglass (glasswool and glass filament), mineral wool (rockwool and slagwool), and refractory ceramic fibers (RCF). There are more than 225,000 workers in the US exposed to synthetic mineral fibers in manufacturing and end-use applications.
There is insufficient evidence that synthetic mineral fibers cause respiratory disease in humans. Results from animal experiments have led to conservative classifications of certain synthetic mineral fibers as possible human carcinogens. Specifically, insulation glass wool, continuous glass filament, rock (stone) wool, and slag wool are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans. The following resources aid in recognizing synthetic mineral fiber hazards in the workplace.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/syntheticmineralfibers/recognition.html
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
EPA Provides Water Well Precautions and Actions
Release date: 09/18/2008
(Dallas, Texas – September 18, 2008) Homeowners with water wells need to take special precautions and actions in the aftermath of hurricanes. What follows is a "how to" concerning the steps homeowners should take to ensure a safe return to water well operation. Because of the extensive flood area and the speed and direction of ground water flow, your well may not be a safe source of water for many months after the flood. The well can become contaminated with bacteria or other contaminants.Waste water from malfunctioning septic tanks or chemicals seeping into the ground can contaminate the ground water even after the water was tested and found to be safe. It will be necessary to take long range precautions, including repeated testing, to protect the safety of drinking water.
For remainder of press release please visit the source: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/324e040292e1e51f85257359003f533a/9f01a66fa1df931e852574c800621c67!OpenDocument
(Dallas, Texas – September 18, 2008) Homeowners with water wells need to take special precautions and actions in the aftermath of hurricanes. What follows is a "how to" concerning the steps homeowners should take to ensure a safe return to water well operation. Because of the extensive flood area and the speed and direction of ground water flow, your well may not be a safe source of water for many months after the flood. The well can become contaminated with bacteria or other contaminants.Waste water from malfunctioning septic tanks or chemicals seeping into the ground can contaminate the ground water even after the water was tested and found to be safe. It will be necessary to take long range precautions, including repeated testing, to protect the safety of drinking water.
For remainder of press release please visit the source: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/324e040292e1e51f85257359003f533a/9f01a66fa1df931e852574c800621c67!OpenDocument
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
EPA Issues Notice to Galveston Residents
Attention Returning Galveston Residents
Release date: 09/23/2008
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or Francisco Arcaute at 213-798-1404 or r6press@epa.gov
(Dallas, Texas – September 23, 2008) Before drinking, cooking or brushing teeth, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends these water precautions for residents returning to Galveston:
a) If possible, use bottled water that hasn’t been exposed to floodwaters;
b) If none is available, boil water. For cloudy water, filter with a cloth; draw off the clear water and boil for one minute. Then store in a clean container with a cover;
c) If you can’t boil water, add 1/8 of a teaspoon of household bleach for each gallon of water. Stir well, and let it stand 30 minutes before using.
d) Pay attention to local authorities, who will announce when it is safe to use and drink water or flush toilets.
EPA has several recorded public service announcements (PSAs) offering safety tips on how to safely operate a generator, how to properly use household cleaners, how to handle and dispose of hazardous materials, and how to safely deal with asbestos and mold, among other useful information. To listen to these PSAs or to learn more information on how to respond to disasters, please visit http://www.epa.gov/hurricane.For more information about EPA, go to http://www.epa.gov/region6.
Source: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/dc16a9e4257d2b6a852574cd005ce11f?OpenDocument
Release date: 09/23/2008
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or Francisco Arcaute at 213-798-1404 or r6press@epa.gov
(Dallas, Texas – September 23, 2008) Before drinking, cooking or brushing teeth, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends these water precautions for residents returning to Galveston:
a) If possible, use bottled water that hasn’t been exposed to floodwaters;
b) If none is available, boil water. For cloudy water, filter with a cloth; draw off the clear water and boil for one minute. Then store in a clean container with a cover;
c) If you can’t boil water, add 1/8 of a teaspoon of household bleach for each gallon of water. Stir well, and let it stand 30 minutes before using.
d) Pay attention to local authorities, who will announce when it is safe to use and drink water or flush toilets.
EPA has several recorded public service announcements (PSAs) offering safety tips on how to safely operate a generator, how to properly use household cleaners, how to handle and dispose of hazardous materials, and how to safely deal with asbestos and mold, among other useful information. To listen to these PSAs or to learn more information on how to respond to disasters, please visit http://www.epa.gov/hurricane.For more information about EPA, go to http://www.epa.gov/region6.
Source: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/dc16a9e4257d2b6a852574cd005ce11f?OpenDocument
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