MSDSonline Environmental, Health & Safety Blog

It might be a surprise for many to learn that each year in the United States, seasonal influenza or complications caused by it, contribute to more than 200,000 hospitalizations and more than 36,000 deaths, according to NIAID.

In April, the novel influenza A (H1N1) outbreak, originating in Mexico, reached the United States. News of this new flu strain outbreak saturated media headlines across the country causing panic. Surgical masks were flying off store shelves and manufacturers were amping up production to keep up with demands.

Continue reading ‘H1N1 – Take Precautions, Don’t Panic’

There’s been a lot of talk recently about the REACH regulation .  In my opinion it is perhaps the most significant piece of legislation regulating chemical substances to come down the pike, and its impact will be felt by many industries around the globe.

What is REACH?
REACH is a European Union (EU) regulation governing the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization (and restriction) of Chemicals.  It addresses the production and use of chemical substances, and their potential impacts on both human health and the environment .

Continue reading ‘REACH Will Reach Well Beyond the EU’

I was speaking recently at a VPPPA (OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association) conference on HazCom compliance. The issue of the Global Harmonized System, more commonly known as GHS, arose multiple times, which suggests to me that there are a lot of questions out there.

So what exactly is GHS?   The idea was born at the Global Earth Day Summit in 1992.  In short, it’s a world-wide standardized approach to hazard communication, which is supported by the United Nations and regulatory agencies around the globe.  The stated aim of the GHS is to “enhance public health and environmental protection by ensuring safe transport, handling, use and disposal of hazardous materials.” 

Continue reading ‘GHS is a Reality… Are you Ready?’