It has been well known for many years that during underground coalmine development coal seams weave and as natural features don’t conform with laser like precision. Mining machinery will sometimes therefore cut into rock strata releasing fine powder into the air containing <10-micron dust particles. These particles may contain ‘respirable crystalline silica’ (also known as […]
An Occupational Hygienist utilizes the teachings of both science and engineering in order to identify and understand hazards in the workplace and the risk to the health and safety of employers and employees. It is their role to identify potential risks from exposure to biological, chemical, psychosocial, physical and ergonomic hazards within the workplace and […]
Soil contamination, also known as soil pollution, is caused by the presence of human-made chemicalsin the natural soil environment. There are two types of waste; man-made and natural. Natural waste such as dead plants, animal carcasses, rotten fruits and vegetables improves the soil by making it more fertile. Man-made waste however,typically contains chemicals and toxins […]
Hazmat’s Occupational Hygienist’s work in the scientific evaluation of the hazards that occur in the workplace and during the course of environmental studies in the broader environment. They are dedicated to identifying potential hazards of materials and chemicals introduced into the workplace, recognizing potential threats, evaluating and determining the degree of the harm attributed by […]
When asbestos contaminates land and soil, it can be a complex problem to diagnose and resolve. There are a number of factors that make asbestos in the soil so difficult to remedy. The first being the fact that soil is much harder to inspect than materials that are above ground. Soil needs to be dug […]
Hazardous substances are chemicals that have the potential to cause ill-health. This can be due to the presence of toxins, oxidizers, irritants, radioactivity, sensitizing agents, carcinogens, corrosives, or other highly reactive substances in the chemicals or mixtures used. There are many different industries that require workers to handle these types of substances and for those […]
If you work in an environment where carbon dioxide is present, it’s recommended that CO2 levels are monitored to ensure safe levels are maintained. CO2 occurs naturally in the atmosphere at low levels, but exposure to increased levels can be harmful, potentially even deadly. Because carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless and non-flammable gas, it […]
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos. Scar like tissue is formed around the lungs, known as pulmonary fibrosis which decreases the elasticity of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The first symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, chest tightness, persistent dry cough, chest pain, loss of appetite, enlargement […]
There is no such thing as being too careful when it comes to dealing with asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious, long-term and potentially fatal diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, all of which can take many years to display their associated symptoms. While the use of asbestos has been phased out in building […]