NanoImpactNet is a multidisciplinary European network on the health and environmental impact of nanomaterials. NanoImpactNet will create a scientific basis to ensure the safe and responsible development of engineered nanoparticles and nanotechnology-based materials and products, and will support the definition of regulatory measures and implementation of legislation in Europe.
This document describes the dangers of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in the workplace, and how to avoid them. It also explains how to recognize and prevent H2S poisoning, and the type of first aid to give to people overcome by the gas.
New research published in a special issue of the Journal of Industrial Ecology shows that environmental gains derived from the use of nanomaterials may be offset in part by the processes used to manufacture them. The studies highlight the need for improved efficiency in nanoscale material manufacturing to reduce energy use, emissions, solid waste and the use of toxic input materials.
Dans un courrier daté du 9 octobre, la principale confédération syndicale néerlandaise, le FNV, demande au ministre néerlandais du travail la mise en place de mesures de prévention spécifiques pour les travailleurs exposés aux nanomatériaux.
The United States federal government has done surprisingly little to assess and reduce workplace exposures to carcinogens, according to a former chief regulatory official with the American Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Pesticides used in agriculture are designed to protect crops against unwanted species, such as weeds, insects, and fungus. Many compounds target the nervous system of insect pests. Because of the similarity in brain biochemistry, such pesticides may also be neurotoxic to humans. Concerns have been raised that the developing brain may be particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of neurotoxic pesticides. Current requirements for safety testing do not include developmental neurotoxicity. We therefore undertook a systematic evaluation of published evidence on neurotoxicity of pesticides in current use, with specific emphasis on risks during early development. Most epidemiologic confirmation deals with mixed exposures to pesticides. Laboratory experimental studies using model compounds suggest that many pesticides currently used in Europe - including organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, ethylenebisdithiocarbamates, and chlorophenoxy herbicides - can cause neurodevelopmental toxicity. Adverse effects on brain development can be severe and irreversible. Prevention should therefore be a public health priority. The occurrence of residues in food and other types of human exposures should be prevented with regard to the pesticide groups that are known to be neurotoxic. For other substances, given their widespread use and the unique vulnerability of the developing brain, the general lack of data on developmental neurotoxicity calls for investment in targeted research. While awaiting more definite evidence, existing uncertainties should be evaluated in regard to the need for precautionary action to protect brain development.
Each year, approximately 1,000 miners in the U.S. die from coal workers' pneumoconiosis, or 'black lung disease,' a preventable illness caused by exposure to coal mine dust. The video features two miners who share their stories and provide insight on how their lives have changed due to this devastating disease.
This Memorandum reflects the views of European occupational safety and health experts active in standardisation, testing, certification and related research. It deals with possible improvements to the preparation and use of standards in support of New Approach directives which make reference to standards as one means of providing a presumption of conformity to the relevant Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs) of these directives.
Prévenir les risques sanitaires et environnementaux liés à l’utilisation de certaines substances chimiques est désormais une nécessité acceptée par tous. Le règlement Reach, « Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of chemicals », est la réponse de l’Union Européenne à cet enjeu. Il s’agit de construire un véritable système d’informations sur les substances chimiques particulièrement préoccupantes, et à terme, mieux encadrer leur utilisation.