New paper reports link between pulmonary fibrosis and nanoparticle exposure

A paper to be published in the September issue of European Respiratory Journal describes a number of cases (including two fatalities) of pulmonary fibrosis in young female workers in a Chinese paint spraying workshop. The authors attribute the development of this condition to exposure to polyacrylate nanoparticles.

For further information, analysis, and links to expert opinion on the complex issues raised by this paper, go here

Interim report of Boorman Review published

The Boorman Review, commissioned to assess health and well-being amongst NHS employees, has produced an interim report. It calls for a sea change in the way that health and well-being is perceived across the service, from ward level to board level, and makes numerous recommendations designed to bring about such change.

To access the document go here

New guidance on health risk assessment

The International Council on Mining and Metals recently published a new good practice guide to occupational health risk assessment. Dr Salim Vohra, Director of the IOM's Centre for Health Impact Assessment, was a major contributor to this guidance document.

To access the document go here

IOM appointed to carry out respirator face fit testing for ScottishPower

ScottishPower Energy Wholesale has selected the IOM to carry out respirator face fit testing for approximately 500 of their UK employees who are required to use respiratory protective equipment (RPE). The IOM was the first organisation to achieve UKAS accreditation for respirator face fit testing.

For more information on the IOM's services in relation to RPE, go here

Recognition for senior IOM physician

Dr Lisa Birrell, the IOM's Director of Clinical Services, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London (FRCP), in recognition of her distinguished contribution to medical practice.

For further information, go here

New regulations for the disposal of gypsum-containing waste

The Environment Agency recently stipulated that gypsum-containing waste must not be mixed together with biodegradeable waste in landfill sites, since this can lead to the generation of hydrogen sulphide, an extremely malodorous and toxic gas. Waste materials can readily be analysed for the presence of gypsum.

For more information, go here

Asbestos contamination of domestic gardens

The IOM is joining forces with the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) to present a seminar on the growing problem of asbestos contamination in domestic gardens, The seminar will take place at the IOM's Edinburgh offices on 27th October.

For more details of this seminar, and how to register, go here