News Archive

IOM News Archive Listing


The state of The ART The IOM is a key partner involved in the development of the Advanced REACH Tool (ART), which provides a system for companies to estimate occupational chemical exposure for the European REACH Regulations....more.
Anglo-French Nanotechnology EHS research collaborations for mutual benefit On the 10th and 11th March, the IOM & CEA (Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique, France), were pleased to organise a workshop to discuss health and safety issues of nanomaterials...more.
Expansion of IOM's research Over the last 18 months we have been expanding our team of researchers to work on a wide range of new projects...more.
Does your construction waste contain gypsum? The Enviroment Agency for England and Wales has recently changed the rules relating to the disposal of . ..more.
Bakers – time to clear the air! The HSE recently warned that thousands of British bakers could be at risk of developing a debilitating respiratory condition unless they take sensible precautions. ..more.
IOM work contributes to Department of Health “Invisible Patients” Report The Department of Health has today released the report "Invisible Patients", which is the report of the working group on the Health of Health Professionals chaired by Professor Alastair Scotland, Director of the National Clinical Assessment Service... ..more.
HSE publishes new guidance on managing asbestos risks Earlier this month, the HSE published HSG 264, ‘Asbestos: The Survey Guide’. ...more.
IOM reaches important milestone in its history On 1st April, the IOM reached an important milestone – the 20th anniversary of the day the Institute broke the link with British Coal, and became fully responsible for running its own affairs, including the employment of staff.....more.
Workshops and courses at the National Heart and Lung Institute Here are details of forthcoming events, which will all be held at the National Heart and Lung Institute, London SW3....more.
Spotlight on cobalt The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recently added a new page about cobalt to its website...more.
IOM-led consortium awarded crucial advisory contracts on the regulation of nanomaterials under REACH A consortium led by the Institute of Occupational Medicine’s SAFENANO Initiative has been awarded two contracts by the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection of the European Commission's Directorate General Joint Research Centre (JRC) concerning the development of specific advice on the assessment of nanomaterials under REACH.....more.
IOM presented with Award The IOM was presented with an Award for Distinguished Service by Safety Groups UK... more.
Dr Lang Tran to speak at prestigious international conferences Lang Tran, IOM's Principal Toxicologist, has been invited to speak at two important conferences dealing with nanotechnology issues... more.
The Advanced REACH Tool goes live The development of the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) version 1.0 is complete and the tool is now available. ...more.
Nanotoxicology 2010 Conference The 3rd of the Nanotoxicology conference series, Nanotoxicology 2010 is aimed at professionals and students in nanotechnology environment, health and safety (EHS) research... more.
REACH: Developing Exposure Scenarios for the Chemical Safety Assessment The December 2010 registration deadline looms for chemicals produced or imported in quantities of greater than 1000 tonnes per year as well as substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic or as dangerous for the aquatic environment... more.
New NICE public health guidance aims to improve mental wellbeing within the workplace The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recently (5 November) issued guidance for employers on promoting mental wellbeing at work through productive and healthy working conditions. .....more.
Launch of the Advanced REACH Tool The IOM is part of a European consortium, consisting of TNO (Netherlands), HSL (UK), IRAS (Netherlands), BAUA (Germany) and NCWR (Denmark), which is developing an exposure modelling tool to estimate occupational exposure to chemicals. ......more.
Health effects associated with bioaerosols from waste handling processes High levels of workplace exposure to bioaerosol in the waste industry are associated with adverse effects on respiratory health but little is known about the impacts of bioaerosol emissions from waste handling processes on health in local communities...more.
House of Lords' report on nanotechnologies and food The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee criticised the food industry for failing to be transparent about its research into the uses of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials... more.
Are your suppliers’ data sheets good enough for COSHH? It seems straightforward, you have looked at the materials safety data sheet, nothing is declared, the material must be safe – or is it?...more.
Asbestos in gardens Over the past couple of years we have increasingly become involved in instances where asbestos contamination has turned up in gardens in housing schemes built on redeveloped sites.......more.
SAFENANO information service secures continuation funding SAFENANO, a nanotechnology environment, health & safety initiative based at the IOM, has secured continuation & development funding for its information service.... more.
REACH Update from IOM Less than four weeks remain before the 1st December REACH pre-registration deadline for chemical substances manufactured or imported in Europe. …more
IOM re-designated by WHO as a Collaborating Centre in Occupational Health for a further 4 years One of the ways that the World Health Organization (WHO) gets its work done is in partnership with other organisations, through its Networks of Collaborating Centres (CCs).... more.
Peter Osborne Peter Osborne died recently at the age of 88... more.
IOM's 40th anniversary seminar was held on the 19th June. About 100 delegates attended the IOM's 40th anniversary seminar – “From Coal to Carbon Nanotubes”, which coincided with the launch of a short booklet describing some of the key areas of our work over the last 40 years..more.
REACH: New non-technical guidance on chemical safety assessment The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published Guidance in a Nutshell: Chemical Safety Assessment, which is intended to assist industry in understanding the general provisions for conducting a Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA). .....more.
Edinburgh Napier University's Nano Safety Centre launch IOM’s long-time collaborator and partner in Safenano has officially launched its Centre for Nano Safety......more.
DSE Assessor Training This one day course provides participants with all the necessary training to competently assess DSE (VDU) workstations for possible risks to health and for compliance with the Schedule of minimum requirements. . ..more.
Senior IOM ergonomist teaches on module at University of Witswatersand Dr Joanne Crawford, Senior Consultant Ergonomist at IOM recently visited the University of Witswatersand to teach on the Ergonomics Module of the Master of Public Health (Occupational Hygiene)......more.
IOM win face fit testing contract with ScottishPower Energy Wholesale ScottishPower Energy Wholesale have selected IOM’s UKAS accredited face fit service for all their staff using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) on sites across the UK.. ..more.
Link between asbestos exposure and cancer The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently reaffirmed that there is sufficient evidence for asbestos to be classified as a known human carcinogen (i.e. Group 1).…more.
Scottish Centre for Indoor Air Inaugural Meeting 2nd September 2009 The inaugural scientific meeting of the new Scottish Centre for Indoor Air (SCIA) was held at the University of Aberdeen on Wednesday 2nd September 2009......more.
Asbestos in Gardens, a real risk to health IOM, in association with REHIS, is running an afternoon seminar on “Asbestos Contamination in Gardens” in Edinburgh at 1.30pm on Tuesday, 27th October 2009, at the IOM HQ on the outskirts of Edinburgh. ..more.
Reducing Occupational Exposure to Chemical Carcinogens A new IOM paper published in the journal 'Occupational Medicine' identifies that most occupational cancer deaths in the UK are preventable.…more.
NHS Health and Well-being Review The publication of the interim report of the Boorman Review on the 19th of August 2009 has highlighted a number of major issues within the NHS, many of which have relevance to the general working population....more.
IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2008-2009 The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh..…more
Chinese researchers link nanoparticle exposure to pulmonary fibrosis in female workers An article that will be published in the September issue of the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ) is the first study to claim a concrete link between exposure to nanoparticles in adhesive paint and development of severe pulmonary fibrosis.....more.
Proceedings from Inhaled Particles X published online The Proceedings from the Inhaled Particles X Conference have been published online in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series.…more
Good Practice Guidance on Occupational Health Risk Assessment The International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) have published the Good Practice Guidance on Occupational Health Risk Assessment (HRA) as an information resource for those conducting or commissioning HRAs.....more.
Swine Flu After a period in which swine flu had largely been displaced from the media headlines, the World Health Organisation has now declared a global flu pandemic – the first in 40 years.....more.
IOM’s Head Office telephone & fax numbers are changing With effect from 1 August 2009, IOM’s main switchboard and fax numbers will be changing. ..more.
First registration deadline for REACH Although still 18 months away, the 1 December 2010 Registration deadline is fast approaching for certain phase-in substances...more.
IOM launches ENPRA - a novel integrated approach to assessing engineered nanoparticle risk The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) is pleased to announce the launch of ENPRA - a major new European Framework 7 project to develop and implement a novel integrated approach for engineered nanoparticle (ENP) risk assessment.... more.
GoodNanoGuide shares best practices The International Council on Nanotechnology has launched an open-source wiki, assisted by SAFENANO...more.
Pinning down mystery dusts? Deposits of unidentified dust of unknown source in the workplace raise concerns about uncontrolled exposures to hazardous substances. ..more.
Ergonomics Society President's Medal awarded to IOM for its work relating to PPE The Ergonomics Society awarded the IOM its prestigious President's Medal for its work relating to the Ergonomics of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)....more.
BT Deep Level Tunnel system in London As many of you may be aware, IOM have been involved in the uplift and modernisation of the BT Deep Level Tunnel system in London. ..more.
Social Media in Relation to Occupational Hygiene At the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) annual conference in Eastbourne, the Warner lecture was delivered by Dr Max Lum from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)... more.
World Asthma Day 05 May 2009 Last Sunday, May 3rd, a team of runners from the IOM took part in the Great Edinburgh Run (10K): raising money for Asthma UK.... more.
SnIRC experts present evidence to the Select Committee on Nanotechnologies in Food Prof Ken Donaldson and Dr Qasim Chaudhry – experts in nanotechnology risk and members of SnIRC – yesterday presented evidence in the House of Lords to the Select Committee on Nanotechnologies in Food. .. more.
IOM services for offshore oil and gas industry IOM is pleased to announce that we have expanded our capabilities to offer services to the offshore oil and gas industry.…more.
Occupational Asthma – FREE Seminar Many substances in the workplace can cause or aggravate asthmatic conditions.…more.
Contract to refurbish turbines in South African power station One of the English offices of a leading global engineering company is managing a contract to refurbish turbines in a South African power station..…more
The Scotman's 'Nanosilver fad' sparks lively discussion An article on the potential health risks of nanosilver published in 'The Scotsman' newspaper has prompted fresh debate in this controversial area.. …more
IOM awarded Ergonomics Society President's Medal The IOM is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious President's Medal from the Ergonomics Society..…more
News about REACH following the end of Pre-registration The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the list of pre-registered substances on the ECHA CHEM part of its website. …more
SAFENANO Team complete global review of health & safety research into nanomaterials ‘EMERGNANO’ – the first global review of active research into the environment, health and safety risks of nanotechnology has been published today [14th April 2009] by Defra, the UK Government Department for Food & Rural Affairs.…more.
EDPHiS On December 11th 2008, the Scottish Government announced its Equally Well strategy, for tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Linked with Equally Well, it announced a new strategy for environment and health, called Good Places, Better Health.…more
BUPA Foundation Health at Work Award 2008 This year's BUPA Foundation Health at Work Award has been won by a team which included Dr Lisa Birrell, the IOM's Director of Clinical Services.…more
UKAS accreditation for upgraded facilities for testing the effectiveness of protective clothing The IOM’s suite of services for the testing of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been extended by the commissioning of a new spray booth for the testing of protective suits…more
Working Late – Research Programme on Ageing and Work The IOM is pleased to announce Professor Cheryl Haslam, Director of Loughborough University's Work and Health Research Centre has been awarded £1.3 million from the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme..…more.
European study on long-term effects of air pollution The 5th December 1952 was the start of the last major smog in London...…more
SAFENANO appoints Director of Operations Dr Steve Hankin has been appointed as SAFENANO's new Director of Operations. …more
Implementation of GHS The European Parliament and the Council have adopted a new regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (known as the CLP Regulations, found here). …more
New research shows Scottish smoking ban is good for smokers too New research published today (10th February 2009) by Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that the smoking ban has provided health benefits for smokers, as well as non-smokers, in Scotland.…more
The Health, Safety and Health Promotion Needs of Older Workers: Building an Evidence Base for a Diverse Workforce The IOM has been funded by IOSH to carry out a systematic review of the research literature on the health, safety and health promotion needs of older workers. …more
UK Government response to Dame Carol Black Report In November the UK Government published its response to the Dame Carol Black Report.…more
The HSE publishes a new strategy for health and safety in Britain HSE is running a three month consultation process on its new strategy and it is calling on interested parties to provide comments on the proposal..…more
Our man in Blantyre Dr Sean Semple, Honorary Senior Scientist at IOM and Lecturer in Occupational Hygiene at the University of Aberdeen, has visited Blantyre, Malawi to undertake some research into the levels of smoke in homes.…more .
Clinical Services London The IOM established an Occupational Health team in London in May 2008.…more
European Chemicals Agency contracts with IOM and partners on implementation of REACH IOM, in collaboration with a number of partner organisations led by Entec, has secured a framework agreement with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to provide support in the implementation of REACH.…more
OECD nanotechnology update on current safety developments On December 10, the OECD Environmental Directorate released a compilation of responses given during the nanotechnology Tour de Table by delegations that attended the 4th Meeting of the Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials held at OECD Headquarters in Paris, France on 11-13 June 2008…more
REACH Update from IOM Less than four weeks remain before the 1st December REACH pre-registration deadline for chemical substances manufactured or imported in Europe. …more
IOM organises a workshop on Manganese exposure on 4 December 2008 The IOM has a strong history in assessing exposure to and risk from exposure to metals in the workplace, including exposure to manganese, which is primarily used to make steel.…more
Professor Russel Griggs receives OBE Professor Russel Griggs was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Scottish industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours List . …more
Obituary: James Dodgson, former Head of Environment Branch at the IOM Jim Dodgson, who died in October 2008, contributed hugely to the work of the Institute of Occupational Medicine. …more
Urgent action needed on testing and regulation of nanomaterials The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) has issued a news release that announces there is an urgent need for more testing, extending existing governance arrangements and creating new arrangements for the control of the rapidly developing field of nanomaterials.…more
Pleural Plaques and Asbestos The Scottish Government has published a draft bill to reinstate the civil liability for three asbestos related conditions: pleural plaques (small areas of scarring on the lining of the lung), pleural thickening and asbestosis (without any symptoms) …more
US experts recommend listing styrene as a human carcinogen An expert panel convened by the US Department of Health and Human Services - National Toxicity Programme (NTP) has recommend listing the chemical styrene as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.…more
Cefic and CONCAWE launch Excel Bulk Pre-Registration Tool for REACH Cefic and CONCAWE have developed an easy way to prepare your REACH pre-registrations if you have more than a few substances to pre-register.…more
No Fit Test Respirator Workshop NIOSH is holding a “No Fit Test” Respirator Workshop on November 6th, 2008. …more
Senior Management Appointments at IOM The IOM recently appointed Stuart Goddard as Director of Asbestos Services, and Chris Beach as Director of Occupational Hygiene Services following Alastair Robertson's retirement as Director of Consultancy Services.…more
Nanotechnology Health and Safety debated in Parliament Recent parliamentary discussions saw Ian Pearson MP provide MPs in the House of Parliament with an overview of current UK efforts to regulate nanotechnology health and safety.…more .
REACH Update from IOM The European Chemical Agency has published Guidance on REACH that is intended to assist businesses in their preparations for REACH…more
Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2008 Dr Joanne Crawford, Senior Consultant Ergonomist at IOM presented to delegates at the conference on Work Ability in Older Workers in the Age Diversity session on the second day (6th March).…more .
DSE Assessor Training Course This one day course provides participants with all the necessary training to competently assess DSE (VDU) workstations for possible risks to health and for compliance with the Schedule of minimum requirements.…more
Working Late: strategies to enhance productive and healthy environments for the older workforce The New Dynamics of Ageing Research Programme has funded a four-year collaborative research project led by Prof Cheryl Haslam at Loughborough University.…more
Dr Richard Graveling awarded honorary position at Aberdeen University We are delighted to announce that Dr Richard Graveling, Principal Ergonomics Consultant and Head of Human Sciences, has recently been appointed as an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine of the University of Aberdeen.…more
REACH Update from IOM The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has launched today a new section on its web site to facilitate public consultations which are required by the REACH Regulation.…more
New guidance on local ventilation The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have published new guidance on the design and testing of local ventilation systems in industry…more
Appointment of Dr James Preston as Senior Occupational Physician We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr James Preston as Senior Occupational Physician for London and The South. …more
Former IOM scientist honoured by the American Industrial Hygiene Association Professor James Vincent, former Principal Scientist and Head of the Physics Branch at IOM, was recently presented with the Donald E Cummings Memorial Award by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. . …more
Editorial in 'Epidemiology' journal contrasts deaths postponed and lives prolonged The November issue of the prestigious journal 'Epidemiology' carried an editorial by Bert Brunekreef (Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences, University of Utrecht), with IOM co-authors Brian Miller and Fintan Hurley..…more .
IOM appointed as Occupational Health providers to Edmund Nuttall Limited We are very pleased to announce that the IOM has been appointed as Occupational Health providers to Edmund Nuttall Limited.…more
SAFENANO team complete BSI British Standards Guide to safe handling of nanomaterials A guide to the Safe Handling of Nanomaterials, drawn up by the SAFENANO team under BSI Committee NTI/1, Nanotechnologies, has this week been published by BSI British Standards..…more .
REACH Update from IOM - June 2008 On 1 June this year, the new EU chemicals regulation (REACH) came into operation and there are now less than 6 months remaining to pre-register.…more
Details of IOM research on ill health associated with DSE A variety of ill-health symptoms have been associated with work with Display Screen Equipment (DSE), including musculoskeletal disorders; mental stress; and visual fatigue.…more .
Assessment of the occupational cancer burden in Great Britain A research team at Imperial College and the Health and Safety Laboratory have completed the first phase of an assessment of the occupational cancer burden in Great Britain.…more .
IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2007-2008 begins in September The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh..…more .
Professor Ken Donaldson joins IOM as an Honorary Principal Scientist We are pleased to announce that Ken Donaldson, Scientific Director of the ELEGI Colt Laboratory and Professor of Respiratory Toxicology at the the University of Edinburgh, has become an Honorary Principal Scientist at IOM…more .
Upgraded facilities for testing the effectiveness of protective clothing The IOM has tested the efficiency of protective clothing for manufacturers and major users for many years.…more .
REACH update from IOM There is now less than 4 months remaining until pre-registration commences for REACH.…more .
Carbon Nanotubes display asbestos-like behaviour An article that will certainly become one of the defining papers describing the toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has been published in the journal 'Nature Nanotechnology'.…more
IOM appoints new Director of Clinical Services The IOM is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Lisa Birrell as Director of Clinical Services, based in Edinburgh.…more
IOSH08 Conference & Exhibition Health and safety: making the connection 18-19 March 2008, The International Centre, Telford IOM Consulting Ltd invites you to come and meet us at the IOSH08 conference and exhibition.. more
Select Committee report published on the role of HSC and HSE in regulating workplace health and safety The Work and Pensions Committee’s report entitled 'The role of the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive in regulating workplace health and safety' was published on Monday 21 April 2008. …more
IOM Workshop: REACH Pre-Registration IOM is planning the next in its series of seminars on Preparing for REACH.…more .
IOM exhibition at Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2008 The Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2008 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on 5th and 6th March 2008 is a major national event for occupational health professionals, employers, HR managers and those involved with health promotion in the workplace.…more .
Health Impact Assessment Guide on Greenspace Greenspace scotland is working in partnership with NHS Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and a steering group of partner agencies to develop this guide.…more .
Presentation on eliminating occupational cancer from chemicals (IOSH 08) Dr John Cherrie, IOM's Research Director, will be giving a presentation on 'How to eliminate occupational cancer from chemicals' at the IOSH 08 Conference & Exhibition..…more .
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) needs to do more to reduce work-related ill health In its submission to the Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry into the operations and work of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the HSE, IOM said that there needs to be more emphasis on tackling work-related illness. .…more .
IOM scientists argue that exposure to occupational chemical carcinogens could essentially be eliminated in Great Britain by 2025. John Cherrie and colleagues from the IOM have recently published a paper in the scientific journal the Annals of Occupational Hygiene on exposure to occupational carcinogens in Great Britain.…more .
BOHS and IOA Courses 2007 Courses offered by IOM at IOM Chesterfield, IOM Edinburgh, IOM London and IOM Stafford. …more
Online Occupational Health Toolkits for IOSH web site IOM was commissioned by The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to create online information resources on skin disorders and inhalation problems.…more .
REACH update from IOM The European Chemical Agency is making available Guidance on REACH that is intended to assist businesses in their preparations for REACH…more .
HSE publishes new Asbestos Essentials guidance The Health and Safety Executive have published guidance on their website to help small businesses, both subcontractors and installers - to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.…more .
IOM Consulting praised for asbestos removal work at Longannet IOM Consulting received glowing praise in Scottish Power’s house newspaper ‘Scottish Power News’ for their contribution to an excellent team effort in undertaking a major asbestos removal project at Longannet power station…more .
SAFENANO launches scientific services The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) based in Edinburgh has launched a range of new services to help companies minimise the environmental and health risks of working with nanomaterials.…more .
Oral History Witness Seminar: Occupational Health in Scotland & the UK, c 1950-1975 An Oral History Witness Seminar will be held on Friday 26th October 2007, 12.30-4.30pm in Room A426, Health Building, Glasgow Caledonian University..…more .
REACH and Occupational Hygiene - BOHS Scottish Region meeting on 30th November at IOM, Edinburgh IOM will host a BOHS Scottish Region meeting on Friday 30th November ( 4pm to 6pm) at our Edinburgh headquarters.…more .
Wales HIA report out for public consultation Dr. Salim Vohra, Director of IOM's Centre for Health Impact Assessment led the Health Impact Assessment of the 3 Regional Waste Plans in Wales (3 RWPR), which is currently out for public consultation.…more .
New ICMM publication encourages more accurate health risk assessment for metals ICMM's new publication - Health Risk Assessment Guidance for Metals (HERAG) has been released. HERAG is the result of a three-year collaborative effort between Eurofer, Eurometaux and EBRC Consulting.…more .
Andrew Maynard joins SAFENANO as Guest Expert IOM's SAFENANO initiative is pleased to announce the publication of its October Feature article "Is Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials a Myth?" written by Dr Andrew Maynard, Chief Science Advisor to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.…more .
Preparing for REACH - IOM's 2nd Free Workshop: Tools and Guidance The EU's new regulatory regime for chemicals came into force in June 2007 and various activities have developed since the first of IOM’s seminars on REACH held in June.…more .
Exposure to metal working fluids (MWF) Exposure to metal working fluids (MWF) may be a cause of illness across a wide spectrum of businesses.…more .
International perspective on health impact assessment in urban settings Salim Vohra, Director of IOM’s new Centre for Health Impact Assessment, gives an international perspective on health impact assessment in urban settings in the current issue of the New South Wales Bulletin of Public Health.…more .
IOM CHIA at the forthcoming major HIA Conference in Dublin The IOM Centre for Health Impact Assessment (IOM CHIA) is presenting on three major themes at the 8th International HIA conference in Dublin between the 16th-17th October 2007.…more .
REFNANO final report officially published 20/09/2007 'REFNANO: Reference materials for engineered nanoparticle toxicology and metrology' has been published on the DEFRA website.…more .
Meet the Experts Thursday 20th September 2007 As part of the services we provide to our clients, the IOM periodically stages seminars on occupational and environmental health topics. …more .
The Royal Society of Medicine Meeting, 24th October The Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) is holding a meeting on October 24th in London on 21st Century Working - the Portable Office. …more .
IOM leads major new Health Impact Assessment project for the European Commission IOM is leading a major new multi-disciplinary study on environment and health, designed to support the Environment and Health Action Plan (EHAP) of the European Commission..…more .
EC releases interim report on Europe's Nanotechnology Action Plan 11/09/2007 The European Commission (EC) has released a report summarising the actions taken and progress made during 2005-2007…more .
SAFENANO launches Nanotechnology Health and Safety website: www.safenano.org A website (www.safenano.org)providing information on nanotechnology health and safety is today being launched by SAFENANO..…more .
IOM invests in new ICP/OES equipment IOM has recently purchased another ICP/OES instrument - the new, award winning Thermo iCAP 6500 ....more ..
IOM Online Library has 400 members The number of people who have joined IOM's Online Library, which was launched in January, has now reached 400....more .
'Thinking Big about Nano' - IOM's SAFENANO Initiative features in Business Week online Today, a feature Viewpoint from Rob Aitken (Director of Strategic Consulting at the IOM and the SAFENANO Initiative) was published in Business Week Online, one of the worlds leading sources of business news....more .
Talk by Dr. Ståle Navrud Ståle Navrud is Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Resource Management at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (http://www.umb.no/1176) and is one of Europe’s leading environmental economists....more .
How to learn more about your obligations under REACH The European Chemical Agency’s Navigator tool is designed to help manufacturers, importers, downstream users, distributors of chemical substances, and producers or importers of articles to figure out their obligations under REACH ....more .
Dr Salim Vohra recruited as Director of the Centre for Health Impact Assessment (IOM-CHIA) IOM is pleased to announce the recruitment of Dr Salim Vohra, one of the UKs leading experts in Health impact assessment....more .
Effects of second-hand smoke The ban in England on smoking in all enclosed public places came into force on 1st July.…more .
The impact of climate change on health Predicted changes in the world's climate will affect millions of people, particularly the poor, through increases in malnutrition and other diseases.…more .
Wake up to REACH The new REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) regulations enter into force on 1 June 2007 and will affect all manufacturers, importers and downstream users of chemicals.....more .
Modelling mesothelioma risk for workers assembling military gas masks A new IOM paper has been published on the risks of mesothelioma....more .
Changes in bar workers’ exposure to second-hand smoke following the introduction of the recent smoke-free legislation in England The Tobacco Control Coordinating Centre (TCCC) are undertaking an England-wide study examining the effect of Smoke-free legislation on bar workers' exposure to second-hand smoke and health...more .
Royal Society of Chemistry publishes Nanotechnology Risk Book 'Nanotechnology - Consequences for Human Health and the Environment’ has this week been published by the Royal Society of Chemistry as part of its 'Issues in Environmental Science and Technology' series. ..more .
IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2006-2007 begins in September The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh....more .
Professor Anthony Seaton CBE (DSc - Doctor of Science) Emeritus Professor of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of Aberdeen Professor Anthony Seaton received an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from the University of Aberdeen on the 6th July. ..more .
Nanomaterials 2007: Inspiring commercial success Nanomaterials 2007, is Europe's first annual conference on the commercialisation of nanotechnology....more .
HSE announce new Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) The table of WELs originally published by the HSE in Guidance Note EH40/2005, which is for use with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, has been updated and published on the internet...more .
Dermal exposure to lead Lead is a naturally occurring element which has been used and extracted since ancient times...more .
The impact of climate change on health Predicted changes in the world's climate will affect millions of people, particularly the poor, through increases in malnutrition and other diseases...more .
BUPA Great Edinburgh Run Members of staff from the Edinburgh Head Office joined over 6,600 other runners and completed the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run on Sunday 6th May 2007...more .
Maynard and Aitken call for new methods for measurement of exposure to nanoparticles New methods and tools for measuring exposure to airborne engineered nanomaterials will be required to protect the health of workers in nanotechnology-related jobs according to Andrew Maynard, chief science advisor at the Woodrow Wilson Center's Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, and SAFENANO Director Rob Aitken of the IOM...more .
Bioaerosols: Endotoxin - what is it and why measure it? A recent BOHS meeting in Newcastle focused on the impacts of exposure to bioaerosols on workers in the waste industry...more .
New nanotoxicology study An important nanotoxicology book co-edited by Lang Tran, Principal Toxicologist at the IOM is due to be published later this year....more
Dr John Cherrie becomes President of the British Occupational Hygiene Society On the 18th April 2007 John Cherrie, IOM's Research Director, began his term as President of the British Occupational Hygiene Society or BOHS...more
IOM exhibition at Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2007 The Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2007 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham ( 28 February - 1 March 2007) is a major national event for occupational health professionals, employers, HR managers and those involved with health promotion in the workplace...more
IOM wins enabling contract to provide expert advice to European Parliamentary commitee The IOM has been awarded a contract by the European Parliament to provide independent expert advice on a variety of emerging issues in the field of Health and Safety at Work to its Committee on Employment and Social Affairs..more
New data on the number of mesothelioma deaths in Britain The Health and Safety Executive have published new information on the number of deaths from mesothelioma in Great Britain..more
Second hand cigarette smoke eliminated IOM scientists in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Aberdeen have published an article in the journal Tobacco Control....more
'Less than satisfactory' - CST publishes analysis of Government Policy Progress on Nanotechnologies The Government's leading advisers on science and technology fear that Britain may be falling behind in its engagement with the fast developing field of nanotechnologies....more
IOM presentations at the British Occupational Hygiene Conference IOM staff have presented eight papers at the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) conference in Glasgow...more .
IOM Scientist to chair 2nd Nanotoxicology Conference Following the success of the 1st Nanotoxicology Conference in Cambridge , MA the 2nd Nanotoxicology Conference is to take place from 19th-21st April 2007 , San Servolo, Venice , Italy. ..more .
Northern Ireland goes smoke free On the 30th April 2007 Northern Ireland will ban smoking in enclosed public places, including indoor workplaces and some vehicles...more
Construction industry briefings The IOM is publishing a regular series of briefings that focus on health issues in the construction industry...more
Stakeholder meeting: Exposure assessment for REACH IOM along with several other European research organisations will run a stakeholder meeting to discuss exposure and exposure scenario development in the context of REACH...more
IOM investigates carbon emissions We have recently made a preliminary assessment of our carbon footprint...more
IOM's Scientific Director to chair Inhaled Particles X Symposium Fintan Hurley, IOM's Scientific Director, will act as Scientific Chair of the Inhaled Particles X Symposium.......more
The RICE and MMMF Fibre Counting Scheme From December 2006, these schemes will be operated by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL).......more
New sampler to assess dermal exposure during wet working IOM scientists publish details of a new monitoring device to help measure the risks of irritant contact dermatitis from working with water.....more
REFNANO: Defining Reference Materials for Nanoparticle Toxicology and Metrology IOM in partnership with Central Science Laboratory (CSL), National Physical Laboratory (NPL), NANOcentral, Napier University and Edinburgh University has been asked by DEFRA to carry out a review and develop recommendations about reference materials for engineered nanoparticle toxicology and metrology....more

Online Library now available All IOM research reports are now freely available for download from our web site...more
Health impact assessment for proposed London LEZ IOM and AEAT have been recently completed a health impact assessment (HIA) of the proposed designation of Greater London as a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for Transport for London (TfL)...more
Research findings a breath of fresh air for bar staff A massive improvement in air quality is just one of the positive effects of Scotland's smoking ban, a leading scientist from Aberdeen University will tell MSPs at today's meeting of the Health Committee...more
IOM contributes to first Particle Toxicology textbook CRC have published the first dedicated textbook on Particle Toxicology...more
Five 'Grand Challenges for Safe Nanotechnology' Expert group sets out framework for delivery of 'safe' Nanotechnologies...more
IOM scientists talks at the Swedish Nobel Forum The results of IOM research on nano-particles was presented during a symposium on 'Nanotoxicology: Potential Risks and Safety Assessment' at Sweden's Nobel Forum...more
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) news The WHO fibre counting rules described in HSG 248 (HSE 2005) came into effect on 13th November 2006...more
Analytical support for dust monitoring Dust is about to re-emerge on the occupational health agenda as an issue in 21st century workplaces...more
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a medically unexplained illness characterised by severe disabling fatigue and other symptoms....more
IOM's SAFEnano Initiative announced as DTI's newest Nanotechnology Centre Institute of Occupational Medicine awarded contract for nanotechnology risk information service...more
Exposure monitoring for the pharmaceutical industry The pharmaceutical industry prides itself on a clean, safe image....more
IOM hosts a meeting of the Editorial Board of the Annals of Occupational Hygiene The Editorial Board of the prestigious international scientific journal The Annals of Occupational Hygiene met at IOM on the 22nd September. ...more
Dr John Cherrie delivers a lecture on Understanding Exposure On the 4th October, John Cherrie spoke at the British Occupational Hygiene Autumn Scientific meeting in Manchester....more
HSE introduce a new limit on the concentration of crystalline silica in air From 1 October 2006, an updated workplace exposure limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica came into force. ...more
IOM Consulting Exhibition at Olympia, London (10th/11th October) IOM Consulting invites you to come and meet us at Stand Number F92 on the 10th and11th of October, 2006 in Olympia, London....more
European Asbestos Removal Association conference Dr Alan Jones, the lead IOM author for the recently published European best practice guide to prevent or minimise exposure to asbestos, will be one of the keynote speakers at the forthcoming European Asbestos Removal Association conference in Brussels....more.
EC publishes best practice guide to prevent or minimise exposure to asbestos "Asbestos is deadly serious! Prevent exposure!" is the slogan of the 2006 European Asbestos Campaign launched by the European Commission....more.
HSE have updated advice about hand-arm vibration More than five million workers are exposed to hand-arm vibration in the workplace....more.
Heavy Fuel Oils Exposure IOM has been awarded a programme of research to investigate typical dermal exposures to heavy fuel oils (HFO)....more.
How important is skin exposure to isocyanates? Scientists from IOM and the UK Health and Safety Laboratory have published an article showing very low airborne isocyanate concentrations in a range of companies investigated.....more
Nanotechnology: the Next big Thing, Or Much Ado About Nothing? The Annals of Occupational Hygiene has this week published a key paper on the safety of emerging nanotechnologies by Dr Andrew Maynard of the Woodrow Wilson International Center....more
IOM seminar on occupational dermatitis IOM has organised an internal seminar to discuss the problems of work-related dermatitis and how we can help employers and workers find solutions to their problems....more
Sulphuric acid limit to be reduced The European Union Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) has decided to set an exposure limit for sulphuric acid mist of 0.05 mg/m3 (8-hour average) and 0.1 mg/m3 (15-minutes), twenty times lower than the previous limit....more
Meeting on 'Ergonomics principles in the design of work systems' Dr Richard Graveling, Senior Ergonomics Consultant at the IOM has recently visited Tokyo to attend an International Standards meeting on ‘Ergonomics principles in the design of work systems’ (ISO 6385)....more
It's in your hands The 'It's In Your Hands' campaign has been developed by the HSE, IOM, the British Safety Industry Federation and others to promote improved skin care within at-risk sectors, such as construction (particularly bricklayers and floor and wall tilers), hairdressing, catering, cleaning and in dentistry. We hope that this will provide practical guidance on how to reduce work-related skin conditions....more
Cancer study at NSUK in Greenock HSE, together with scientific collaborators from the IOM, will soon meet management at National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd (NSUK) to agree the start of a follow-up investigation of cancer deaths amongst former employees at the plant in Greenock.…more
FP7 Nanotechnology Rob Aitken, IOM's Director of Strategic Consulting, has accepted an invitation to join the Expert Advisory Group of the EU 7 th Framework Program (FP7), for Nanotechnology. ...more
How important is skin exposure to isocyanates? Scientists from IOM and the UK Health and Safety Laboratory have published an article showing very low airborne isocyanate concentrations in a range of companies investigated ...more
Council of Science and Technology Review of the Government Response to the Royal Society Report .The Council for Science and Technology (CST) has been asked by Government to review progress of its commitments on nanotechnology policy, and has issued an invitation for written evidence. ...more
IOM Consulting Exhibition at Olympia, London (10th/11th October) .IOM Consulting invites you to come and meet us at Stand Number F92 on the 10th and11th of October, 2006 in Olympia, London. ...more
The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council publish a new review of upper limb disorders and recommendations on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) have just published a new review of the evidence for the work-relatedness of selected upper limb disorders. This review relates to listing of these as a Prescribed Diseases, not to whether or not they can be caused by work. ...more
Congratulations to Dr Karen Creely Karen Creely has successfully defended her PhD thesis and will be awarded her degree by Aberdeen University. ...more
IOM have registered with SHAW IOM have registered to become part of the Scotland’s Health at Work (SHAW) awards scheme. ...more
Characterising the potential risks posed by engineered particles The UK government have published their first report describing their research objectives to characterise the potential risks to health and the environment posed by engineered nanoparticles. The report is available from the DEFRA web site. ...more
IOM completes a study of the background levels of uranium in the urine of military personnel The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) commissioned IOM to study the distribution of urinary uranium concentrations and isotope compositions in personnel who had not served in Iraq. ...more
A practical guide to minimise asbestos risks in all types of work that may involve asbestos containing materials Under a contract from the European Commission (EC), the IOM has drafted a practical guide on behalf of the Senior Labour Inspectors Committee (SLIC). The IOM team prepared the guide in consultation with a SLIC working group. ...more
Asbestos in soil The former widespread use of asbestos in industrial premises means that management of asbestos contaminated soils is an issue for many redevelopment projects. The Environment Agency is currently considering setting a Soil Guideline Value ...more
Recall of nano product in Germany The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has revealed that consumers have experienced respiratory problems after using a domestic cleaning product containing nanoparticles....more
Risk assessment for metals The European metals industry has taken a proactive approach to the development of guidance for REACH through the HEalth Risk Assessment Guidance or HERAG project ...more
University of Aberdeen leads evaluation of the effect of smoking on bar-workers' health The IOM is involved with a major study to investigate the impact Scotland's smoking ban might have on the health of the nation's bar staff ...more
IOM launches 'IOM Solutions' Today the IOM launched 'IOM Solutions', a new perspective on our mission to improve human health in the workplace and in the wider environment. We recently created three business streams – IOM Research, IOM Consulting and IOM Services ...more
Protecting against Pandemic and Avian Flu Respirators are key weapons for protecting workers against pandemic and avian flu. Recent Health Protection Agency guidance proposes taking many steps to reduce the risk of infection in the event of a 'flu pandemic. ...more
Martie van Tongeren has been appointed to head IOM's Human Exposure Research programme Dr Martie van Tongeren will take over as Head of Human Exposure Research at IOM during the summer. He is currently Senior Lecturer in Occupational Health at the University of Manchester ...more
IOM contribution towards Government's Air Quality Strategy On the 5th of April the UK Government published, for consultation, its most recent Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The report is in two volumes and is available on the DEFRA website. ...more
A European guide on best practice for work involving asbestos The IOM has recently prepared a practical guide on best practice to minimise asbestos risks. This guide has been drafted on behalf of, and in consultation with, the Senior Labour Inspectors Committee and under a contract from the European Commission (EC). ...more
New appointments at IOM The IOM recently appointed Dr John Cherrie as Research Director, and Dr Robert Aitken as Director of Strategic Consulting. ...more
DEFRA launch a consultation on a voluntary reporting scheme for nanoparticles (31st March 2006) Companies working at the cutting edge of nanotechnology are being invited to share their knowledge with the Government through a voluntary reporting scheme....more
Special edition of CORDIS newsletter on Nanotechnology The European Commission have published a special edition of their CORDIS research newletter featuring Nanotechnology. ...more
REALFILTERS IOM has recently been awarded a major new research study by the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) concerned with condition, status and use of organic vapour filters in industry. The study, REALFILTERS, will be carried out in collaboration with the Health and Safety Laboratory in Buxton over a period of twelve months. ...more
The Safety of Nano-materials Interdisciplinary Research Centre (SnIRC) website IOM has launched a new website to help to address concerns relating to the potential risks to health and to the environment from nanotechnology and nanoparticles. ...more
Nanotechnology and Occupational Health The second international symposium on Nanotechnology and Occupational Health will be held in Minneapolis on October 3-6, 2005. IOM is pleased to be associated as a co-sponsor of this important conference which will be the premier global meeting of 2005 addressing the potential implications and applications of nanotechnologies in the workplace....more
The Institute of Occupational Medicine announces new Chief Executive Officer Dr Philip Woodhead has been appointed as the new CEO in succession to Dr Colin Soutar. ...more
A workshop on the permeation of chemicals through skin IOM and a number of collaborators have recently organised a workshop on in vitro methods to assess dermal permeation of industrial chemicals. You can now download the report and the agreed protocol for testing. ...more
Infection Risks for Embalmers IOM has published a review on the infection risks for embalmers. The report concludes that further research is needed to properly understand whether the risks are properly controlled. This work was funded by the British Institute of Embalmers. ...more
Official opening of IOM's new HQ building The IOM's new HQ building was officially opened by Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace, on the 30^th June 2004. ...more
Does the flame retardant decaBDE Present a risk to health? IOM publishes a new review of the flame retardant decaBDE in which we conclude that at current levels of exposure there is no risk for workers or the general public. ...more
The IOM has relocated to new purpose built HQ premises New location at Research Avenue North, adjacent to He riot-Watt University, from 24^th November 2003 ...more
HSE publishes results of IOM research into Particulate Toxicity Report of HSE commissioned study into Particulate Toxicity undertaken by the IOM ...more
IOM Report on health risks of London Underground dust Findings of IOM study into the health risks of dust in the London Underground. ...more
Living in Central Scotland may shorten your life Investigation of the health impacts of air pollution for the Scottish Executive. ...more
IOM and HSE - Securing Health Together The IOM's involvement in new HSE online community initiative, with links. ...more
Diabetes and Work Basis of discrimination at work unfounded says new research. ...more
Cloud over island paradise IOM investigates volcanic eruption in the West Indies. How the IOM helped the people of Montserrat adapt to life after the eruption. ...more
Stress in the Workplace - The new litigation time bomb: Reducing stress at work: New procedures developed by IOM. ...more
Sheep dipping hazards Farmers demand government rethink on guidelines: IOM research on organophosphate exposure. ...more
IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2005-2006 begins in September. The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh. ...more

IOM News Archive Listing

The state of The ART

The IOM is a key partner involved in the development of the Advanced REACH Tool (ART), which provides a system for companies to estimate occupational chemical exposure for the European REACH Regulations....more.

Anglo-French Nanotechnology EHS research collaborations for mutual benefit

On the 10th and 11th March, the IOM & CEA (Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique, France), were pleased to organise a workshop to discuss health and safety issues of nanomaterials...more.

Expansion of IOM's research

Over the last 18 months we have been expanding our team of researchers to work on a wide range of new projects...more.

Does your construction waste contain gypsum?

The Enviroment Agency for England and Wales has recently changed the rules relating to the disposal of . ..more.

Bakers – time to clear the air!

The HSE recently warned that thousands of British bakers could be at risk of developing a debilitating respiratory condition unless they take sensible precautions. ..more.

IOM work contributes to Department of Health “Invisible Patients” Report

The Department of Health has today released the report "Invisible Patients", which is the report of the working group on the Health of Health Professionals chaired by Professor Alastair Scotland, Director of the National Clinical Assessment Service... ..more.

HSE publishes new guidance on managing asbestos risks

Earlier this month, the HSE published HSG 264, ‘Asbestos: The Survey Guide’. ...more.

IOM reaches important milestone in its history

On 1st April, the IOM reached an important milestone – the 20th anniversary of the day the Institute broke the link with British Coal, and became fully responsible for running its own affairs, including the employment of staff.....more.

Workshops and courses at the National Heart and Lung Institute

Here are details of forthcoming events, which will all be held at the National Heart and Lung Institute, London SW3....more.

Spotlight on cobalt

The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recently added a new page about cobalt to its website...more.

IOM-led consortium awarded crucial advisory contracts on the regulation of nanomaterials under REACH

A consortium led by the Institute of Occupational Medicine’s SAFENANO Initiative has been awarded two contracts by the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection of the European Commission's Directorate General Joint Research Centre (JRC) concerning the development of specific advice on the assessment of nanomaterials under REACH.....more.

IOM presented with Award

The IOM was presented with an Award for Distinguished Service by Safety Groups UK... more.

Dr Lang Tran to speak at prestigious international conferences

Lang Tran, IOM's Principal Toxicologist, has been invited to speak at two important conferences dealing with nanotechnology issues... more.

The Advanced REACH Tool goes live

The development of the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) version 1.0 is complete and the tool is now available. ...more.

Nanotoxicology 2010 Conference

The 3rd of the Nanotoxicology conference series, Nanotoxicology 2010 is aimed at professionals and students in nanotechnology environment, health and safety (EHS) research... more.

REACH: Developing Exposure Scenarios for the Chemical Safety Assessment

The December 2010 registration deadline looms for chemicals produced or imported in quantities of greater than 1000 tonnes per year as well as substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic or as dangerous for the aquatic environment... more.

New NICE public health guidance aims to improve mental wellbeing within the workplace

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recently (5 November) issued guidance for employers on promoting mental wellbeing at work through productive and healthy working conditions. .....more.

Launch of the Advanced REACH Tool

The IOM is part of a European consortium, consisting of TNO (Netherlands), HSL (UK), IRAS (Netherlands), BAUA (Germany) and NCWR (Denmark), which is developing an exposure modelling tool to estimate occupational exposure to chemicals. ......more.

Health effects associated with bioaerosols from waste handling processes

High levels of workplace exposure to bioaerosol in the waste industry are associated with adverse effects on respiratory health but little is known about the impacts of bioaerosol emissions from waste handling processes on health in local communities...more.

House of Lords' report on nanotechnologies and food

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee criticised the food industry for failing to be transparent about its research into the uses of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials... more.

Are your suppliers’ data sheets good enough for COSHH?

It seems straightforward, you have looked at the materials safety data sheet, nothing is declared, the material must be safe – or is it?...more.

Asbestos in gardens

Over the past couple of years we have increasingly become involved in instances where asbestos contamination has turned up in gardens in housing schemes built on redeveloped sites.......more.

SAFENANO information service secures continuation funding

SAFENANO, a nanotechnology environment, health & safety initiative based at the IOM, has secured continuation & development funding for its information service.... more.

REACH Update from IOM

Less than four weeks remain before the 1st December REACH pre-registration deadline for chemical substances manufactured or imported in Europe. …more

IOM re-designated by WHO as a Collaborating Centre in Occupational Health for a further 4 years

One of the ways that the World Health Organization (WHO) gets its work done is in partnership with other organisations, through its Networks of Collaborating Centres (CCs).... more.

Peter Osborne

Peter Osborne died recently at the age of 88... more.

IOM's 40th anniversary seminar was held on the 19th June.

About 100 delegates attended the IOM's 40th anniversary seminar – “From Coal to Carbon Nanotubes”, which coincided with the launch of a short booklet describing some of the key areas of our work over the last 40 years..more.

REACH: New non-technical guidance on chemical safety assessment

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published Guidance in a Nutshell: Chemical Safety Assessment, which is intended to assist industry in understanding the general provisions for conducting a Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA). .....more.

Edinburgh Napier University's Nano Safety Centre launch

IOM’s long-time collaborator and partner in Safenano has officially launched its Centre for Nano Safety......more.

DSE Assessor Training

This one day course provides participants with all the necessary training to competently assess DSE (VDU) workstations for possible risks to health and for compliance with the Schedule of minimum requirements. . ..more.

Senior IOM ergonomist teaches on module at University of Witswatersand

Dr Joanne Crawford, Senior Consultant Ergonomist at IOM recently visited the University of Witswatersand to teach on the Ergonomics Module of the Master of Public Health (Occupational Hygiene)......more.

IOM win face fit testing contract with ScottishPower Energy Wholesale

ScottishPower Energy Wholesale have selected IOM’s UKAS accredited face fit service for all their staff using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) on sites across the UK.. ..more.

Link between asbestos exposure and cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently reaffirmed that there is sufficient evidence for asbestos to be classified as a known human carcinogen (i.e. Group 1).…more.

Scottish Centre for Indoor Air Inaugural Meeting 2nd September 2009

The inaugural scientific meeting of the new Scottish Centre for Indoor Air (SCIA) was held at the University of Aberdeen on Wednesday 2nd September 2009......more.

Asbestos in Gardens, a real risk to health

IOM, in association with REHIS, is running an afternoon seminar on “Asbestos Contamination in Gardens” in Edinburgh at 1.30pm on Tuesday, 27th October 2009, at the IOM HQ on the outskirts of Edinburgh. ..more.

Reducing Occupational Exposure to Chemical Carcinogens

A new IOM paper published in the journal 'Occupational Medicine' identifies that most occupational cancer deaths in the UK are preventable.…more.

NHS Health and Well-being Review

The publication of the interim report of the Boorman Review on the 19th of August 2009 has highlighted a number of major issues within the NHS, many of which have relevance to the general working population....more.

IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2008-2009

The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh..…more

Chinese researchers link nanoparticle exposure to pulmonary fibrosis in female workers

An article that will be published in the September issue of the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ) is the first study to claim a concrete link between exposure to nanoparticles in adhesive paint and development of severe pulmonary fibrosis.....more.

Proceedings from Inhaled Particles X published online

The Proceedings from the Inhaled Particles X Conference have been published online in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series.…more

Good Practice Guidance on Occupational Health Risk Assessment

The International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) have published the Good Practice Guidance on Occupational Health Risk Assessment (HRA) as an information resource for those conducting or commissioning HRAs.....more.

Swine Flu

After a period in which swine flu had largely been displaced from the media headlines, the World Health Organisation has now declared a global flu pandemic – the first in 40 years.....more.

IOM’s Head Office telephone & fax numbers are changing

With effect from 1 August 2009, IOM’s main switchboard and fax numbers will be changing. ..more.

First registration deadline for REACH

Although still 18 months away, the 1 December 2010 Registration deadline is fast approaching for certain phase-in substances...more.

IOM launches ENPRA - a novel integrated approach to assessing engineered nanoparticle risk

The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) is pleased to announce the launch of ENPRA - a major new European Framework 7 project to develop and implement a novel integrated approach for engineered nanoparticle (ENP) risk assessment.... more.

GoodNanoGuide shares best practices

The International Council on Nanotechnology has launched an open-source wiki, assisted by SAFENANO...more.

Pinning down mystery dusts?

Deposits of unidentified dust of unknown source in the workplace raise concerns about uncontrolled exposures to hazardous substances. ..more.

Ergonomics Society President's Medal awarded to IOM for its work relating to PPE

The Ergonomics Society awarded the IOM its prestigious President's Medal for its work relating to the Ergonomics of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)....more.

BT Deep Level Tunnel system in London

As many of you may be aware, IOM have been involved in the uplift and modernisation of the BT Deep Level Tunnel system in London. ..more.

Social Media in Relation to Occupational Hygiene

At the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) annual conference in Eastbourne, the Warner lecture was delivered by Dr Max Lum from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)... more.

World Asthma Day 05 May 2009

Last Sunday, May 3rd, a team of runners from the IOM took part in the Great Edinburgh Run (10K): raising money for Asthma UK.... more.

SnIRC experts present evidence to the Select Committee on Nanotechnologies in Food

Prof Ken Donaldson and Dr Qasim Chaudhry – experts in nanotechnology risk and members of SnIRC – yesterday presented evidence in the House of Lords to the Select Committee on Nanotechnologies in Food. .. more.

IOM services for offshore oil and gas industry

IOM is pleased to announce that we have expanded our capabilities to offer services to the offshore oil and gas industry.…more.

Occupational Asthma – FREE Seminar

Many substances in the workplace can cause or aggravate asthmatic conditions.…more.

Contract to refurbish turbines in South African power station

One of the English offices of a leading global engineering company is managing a contract to refurbish turbines in a South African power station..…more

The Scotman's 'Nanosilver fad' sparks lively discussion

An article on the potential health risks of nanosilver published in 'The Scotsman' newspaper has prompted fresh debate in this controversial area.. …more

IOM awarded Ergonomics Society President's Medal

The IOM is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious President's Medal from the Ergonomics Society..…more

News about REACH following the end of Pre-registration

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the list of pre-registered substances on the ECHA CHEM part of its website. …more

SAFENANO Team complete global review of health & safety research into nanomaterials

‘EMERGNANO’ – the first global review of active research into the environment, health and safety risks of nanotechnology has been published today [14th April 2009] by Defra, the UK Government Department for Food & Rural Affairs.…more.

EDPHiS

On December 11th 2008, the Scottish Government announced its Equally Well strategy, for tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Linked with Equally Well, it announced a new strategy for environment and health, called Good Places, Better Health.…more

BUPA Foundation Health at Work Award 2008

This year's BUPA Foundation Health at Work Award has been won by a team which included Dr Lisa Birrell, the IOM's Director of Clinical Services.…more

UKAS accreditation for upgraded facilities for testing the effectiveness of protective clothing

The IOM’s suite of services for the testing of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been extended by the commissioning of a new spray booth for the testing of protective suits…more

Working Late – Research Programme on Ageing and Work

The IOM is pleased to announce Professor Cheryl Haslam, Director of Loughborough University's Work and Health Research Centre has been awarded £1.3 million from the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme..…more.

European study on long-term effects of air pollution

The 5th December 1952 was the start of the last major smog in London...…more

SAFENANO appoints Director of Operations

Dr Steve Hankin has been appointed as SAFENANO's new Director of Operations. …more

Implementation of GHS

The European Parliament and the Council have adopted a new regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (known as the CLP Regulations, found here). …more

New research shows Scottish smoking ban is good for smokers too

New research published today (10th February 2009) by Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that the smoking ban has provided health benefits for smokers, as well as non-smokers, in Scotland.…more

The Health, Safety and Health Promotion Needs of Older Workers: Building an Evidence Base for a Diverse Workforce

The IOM has been funded by IOSH to carry out a systematic review of the research literature on the health, safety and health promotion needs of older workers. …more

UK Government response to Dame Carol Black Report

In November the UK Government published its response to the Dame Carol Black Report.…more

The HSE publishes a new strategy for health and safety in Britain

HSE is running a three month consultation process on its new strategy and it is calling on interested parties to provide comments on the proposal..…more

Our man in Blantyre

Dr Sean Semple, Honorary Senior Scientist at IOM and Lecturer in Occupational Hygiene at the University of Aberdeen, has visited Blantyre, Malawi to undertake some research into the levels of smoke in homes.…more .

Clinical Services London

The IOM established an Occupational Health team in London in May 2008.…more

European Chemicals Agency contracts with IOM and partners on implementation of REACH

IOM, in collaboration with a number of partner organisations led by Entec, has secured a framework agreement with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to provide support in the implementation of REACH.…more

OECD nanotechnology update on current safety developments

On December 10, the OECD Environmental Directorate released a compilation of responses given during the nanotechnology Tour de Table by delegations that attended the 4th Meeting of the Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials held at OECD Headquarters in Paris, France on 11-13 June 2008…more

REACH Update from IOM

Less than four weeks remain before the 1st December REACH pre-registration deadline for chemical substances manufactured or imported in Europe. …more

IOM organises a workshop on Manganese exposure on 4 December 2008

The IOM has a strong history in assessing exposure to and risk from exposure to metals in the workplace, including exposure to manganese, which is primarily used to make steel.…more

Professor Russel Griggs receives OBE

Professor Russel Griggs was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Scottish industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours List . …more

Obituary: James Dodgson, former Head of Environment Branch at the IOM

Jim Dodgson, who died in October 2008, contributed hugely to the work of the Institute of Occupational Medicine. …more

Urgent action needed on testing and regulation of nanomaterials

The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) has issued a news release that announces there is an urgent need for more testing, extending existing governance arrangements and creating new arrangements for the control of the rapidly developing field of nanomaterials.…more

Pleural Plaques and Asbestos

The Scottish Government has published a draft bill to reinstate the civil liability for three asbestos related conditions: pleural plaques (small areas of scarring on the lining of the lung), pleural thickening and asbestosis (without any symptoms) …more

US experts recommend listing styrene as a human carcinogen

An expert panel convened by the US Department of Health and Human Services - National Toxicity Programme (NTP) has recommend listing the chemical styrene as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.…more

Cefic and CONCAWE launch Excel Bulk Pre-Registration Tool for REACH

Cefic and CONCAWE have developed an easy way to prepare your REACH pre-registrations if you have more than a few substances to pre-register.…more

No Fit Test Respirator Workshop

NIOSH is holding a “No Fit Test” Respirator Workshop on November 6th, 2008. …more

Senior Management Appointments at IOM

The IOM recently appointed Stuart Goddard as Director of Asbestos Services, and Chris Beach as Director of Occupational Hygiene Services following Alastair Robertson's retirement as Director of Consultancy Services.…more

Nanotechnology Health and Safety debated in Parliament

Recent parliamentary discussions saw Ian Pearson MP provide MPs in the House of Parliament with an overview of current UK efforts to regulate nanotechnology health and safety.…more .

REACH Update from IOM

The European Chemical Agency has published Guidance on REACH that is intended to assist businesses in their preparations for REACH…more

Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2008

Dr Joanne Crawford, Senior Consultant Ergonomist at IOM presented to delegates at the conference on Work Ability in Older Workers in the Age Diversity session on the second day (6th March).…more .

DSE Assessor Training Course

Working Late: strategies to enhance productive and healthy environments for the older workforce

The New Dynamics of Ageing Research Programme has funded a four-year collaborative research project led by Prof Cheryl Haslam at Loughborough University.…more

Dr Richard Graveling awarded honorary position at Aberdeen University

We are delighted to announce that Dr Richard Graveling, Principal Ergonomics Consultant and Head of Human Sciences, has recently been appointed as an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine of the University of Aberdeen.…more

REACH Update from IOM

The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has launched today a new section on its web site to facilitate public consultations which are required by the REACH Regulation.…more

New guidance on local ventilation

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have published new guidance on the design and testing of local ventilation systems in industry…more

Appointment of Dr James Preston as Senior Occupational Physician

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr James Preston as Senior Occupational Physician for London and The South. …more

Former IOM scientist honoured by the American Industrial Hygiene Association

Professor James Vincent, former Principal Scientist and Head of the Physics Branch at IOM, was recently presented with the Donald E Cummings Memorial Award by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. . …more

Editorial in 'Epidemiology' journal contrasts deaths postponed and lives prolonged

The November issue of the prestigious journal 'Epidemiology' carried an editorial by Bert Brunekreef (Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences, University of Utrecht), with IOM co-authors Brian Miller and Fintan Hurley..…more .

IOM appointed as Occupational Health providers to Edmund Nuttall Limited

We are very pleased to announce that the IOM has been appointed as Occupational Health providers to Edmund Nuttall Limited.…more

SAFENANO team complete BSI British Standards Guide to safe handling of nanomaterials

A guide to the Safe Handling of Nanomaterials, drawn up by the SAFENANO team under BSI Committee NTI/1, Nanotechnologies, has this week been published by BSI British Standards..…more .

REACH Update from IOM - June 2008

On 1 June this year, the new EU chemicals regulation (REACH) came into operation and there are now less than 6 months remaining to pre-register.…more

Details of IOM research on ill health associated with DSE

A variety of ill-health symptoms have been associated with work with Display Screen Equipment (DSE), including musculoskeletal disorders; mental stress; and visual fatigue.…more .

Assessment of the occupational cancer burden in Great Britain

A research team at Imperial College and the Health and Safety Laboratory have completed the first phase of an assessment of the occupational cancer burden in Great Britain.…more .

IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2007-2008 begins in September

The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh..…more .

Professor Ken Donaldson joins IOM as an Honorary Principal Scientist

We are pleased to announce that Ken Donaldson, Scientific Director of the ELEGI Colt Laboratory and Professor of Respiratory Toxicology at the the University of Edinburgh, has become an Honorary Principal Scientist at IOM…more .

Upgraded facilities for testing the effectiveness of protective clothing

The IOM has tested the efficiency of protective clothing for manufacturers and major users for many years.…more .

REACH update from IOM

There is now less than 4 months remaining until pre-registration commences for REACH.…more .

Carbon Nanotubes display asbestos-like behaviour

An article that will certainly become one of the defining papers describing the toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has been published in the journal 'Nature Nanotechnology'.…more

IOM appoints new Director of Clinical Services

The IOM is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Lisa Birrell as Director of Clinical Services, based in Edinburgh.…more

IOSH08 Conference & Exhibition

Health and safety: making the connection

18-19 March 2008, The International Centre, Telford

IOM Consulting Ltd invites you to come and meet us at the IOSH08 conference and exhibition.. more

Select Committee report published on the role of HSC and HSE in regulating workplace health and safety

The Work and Pensions Committee’s report entitled 'The role of the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive in regulating workplace health and safety' was published on Monday 21 April 2008. …more

IOM Workshop: REACH Pre-Registration

IOM is planning the next in its series of seminars on Preparing for REACH.…more .

IOM exhibition at Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2008

The Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2008 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on 5th and 6th March 2008 is a major national event for occupational health professionals, employers, HR managers and those involved with health promotion in the workplace.…more .

Health Impact Assessment Guide on Greenspace

Greenspace scotland is working in partnership with NHS Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and a steering group of partner agencies to develop this guide.…more .

Presentation on eliminating occupational cancer from chemicals (IOSH 08)

Dr John Cherrie, IOM's Research Director, will be giving a presentation on 'How to eliminate occupational cancer from chemicals' at the IOSH 08 Conference & Exhibition..…more .

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) needs to do more to reduce work-related ill health

In its submission to the Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry into the operations and work of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the HSE, IOM said that there needs to be more emphasis on tackling work-related illness. .…more .

IOM scientists argue that exposure to occupational chemical carcinogens could essentially be eliminated in Great Britain by 2025.

John Cherrie and colleagues from the IOM have recently published a paper in the scientific journal the Annals of Occupational Hygiene on exposure to occupational carcinogens in Great Britain.…more .

BOHS and IOA Courses 2007

Courses offered by IOM at IOM Chesterfield, IOM Edinburgh, IOM London and IOM Stafford. …more

Online Occupational Health Toolkits for IOSH web site

IOM was commissioned by The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to create online information resources on skin disorders and inhalation problems.…more .

REACH update from IOM

The European Chemical Agency is making available Guidance on REACH that is intended to assist businesses in their preparations for REACH…more .

HSE publishes new Asbestos Essentials guidance

The Health and Safety Executive have published guidance on their website to help small businesses, both subcontractors and installers - to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.…more .

IOM Consulting praised for asbestos removal work at Longannet

IOM Consulting received glowing praise in Scottish Power’s house newspaper ‘Scottish Power News’ for their contribution to an excellent team effort in undertaking a major asbestos removal project at Longannet power station…more .

SAFENANO launches scientific services

The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) based in Edinburgh has launched a range of new services to help companies minimise the environmental and health risks of working with nanomaterials.…more .

Oral History Witness Seminar: Occupational Health in Scotland & the UK, c 1950-1975

An Oral History Witness Seminar will be held on Friday 26th October 2007, 12.30-4.30pm in Room A426, Health Building, Glasgow Caledonian University..…more .

REACH and Occupational Hygiene - BOHS Scottish Region meeting on 30th November at IOM, Edinburgh

IOM will host a BOHS Scottish Region meeting on Friday 30th November ( 4pm to 6pm) at our Edinburgh headquarters.…more .

Wales HIA report out for public consultation

Dr. Salim Vohra, Director of IOM's Centre for Health Impact Assessment led the Health Impact Assessment of the 3 Regional Waste Plans in Wales (3 RWPR), which is currently out for public consultation.…more .

New ICMM publication encourages more accurate health risk assessment for metals

ICMM's new publication - Health Risk Assessment Guidance for Metals (HERAG) has been released. HERAG is the result of a three-year collaborative effort between Eurofer, Eurometaux and EBRC Consulting.…more .

Andrew Maynard joins SAFENANO as Guest Expert

IOM's SAFENANO initiative is pleased to announce the publication of its October Feature article "Is Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials a Myth?" written by Dr Andrew Maynard, Chief Science Advisor to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.…more .

Preparing for REACH - IOM's 2nd Free Workshop: Tools and Guidance

The EU's new regulatory regime for chemicals came into force in June 2007 and various activities have developed since the first of IOM’s seminars on REACH held in June.…more .

Exposure to metal working fluids (MWF)

Exposure to metal working fluids (MWF) may be a cause of illness across a wide spectrum of businesses.…more .

International perspective on health impact assessment in urban settings

Salim Vohra, Director of IOM’s new Centre for Health Impact Assessment, gives an international perspective on health impact assessment in urban settings in the current issue of the New South Wales Bulletin of Public Health.…more .

IOM CHIA at the forthcoming major HIA Conference in Dublin

The IOM Centre for Health Impact Assessment (IOM CHIA) is presenting on three major themes at the 8th International HIA conference in Dublin between the 16th-17th October 2007.…more .

REFNANO final report officially published 20/09/2007

'REFNANO: Reference materials for engineered nanoparticle toxicology and metrology' has been published on the DEFRA website.…more .

Meet the Experts Thursday 20th September 2007

As part of the services we provide to our clients, the IOM periodically stages seminars on occupational and environmental health topics. …more .

The Royal Society of Medicine Meeting, 24th October

The Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) is holding a meeting on October 24th in London on 21st Century Working - the Portable Office. …more .

IOM leads major new Health Impact Assessment project for the European Commission

IOM is leading a major new multi-disciplinary study on environment and health, designed to support the Environment and Health Action Plan (EHAP) of the European Commission..…more .

EC releases interim report on Europe's Nanotechnology Action Plan 11/09/2007

The European Commission (EC) has released a report summarising the actions taken and progress made during 2005-2007…more .

SAFENANO launches Nanotechnology Health and Safety website: www.safenano.org

A website (www.safenano.org)providing information on nanotechnology health and safety is today being launched by SAFENANO..…more .

IOM invests in new ICP/OES equipment

IOM has recently purchased another ICP/OES instrument - the new, award winning Thermo iCAP 6500 ....more ..

IOM Online Library has 400 members

The number of people who have joined IOM's Online Library, which was launched in January, has now reached 400....more .

'Thinking Big about Nano' - IOM's SAFENANO Initiative features in Business Week online

Today, a feature Viewpoint from Rob Aitken (Director of Strategic Consulting at the IOM and the SAFENANO Initiative) was published in Business Week Online, one of the worlds leading sources of business news....more .

Talk by Dr. Ståle Navrud

Ståle Navrud is Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Resource Management at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (http://www.umb.no/1176) and is one of Europe’s leading environmental economists....more .

How to learn more about your obligations under REACH

The European Chemical Agency’s Navigator tool is designed to help manufacturers, importers, downstream users, distributors of chemical substances, and producers or importers of articles to figure out their obligations under REACH ....more .

Dr Salim Vohra recruited as Director of the Centre for Health Impact Assessment (IOM-CHIA)

IOM is pleased to announce the recruitment of Dr Salim Vohra, one of the UKs leading experts in Health impact assessment....more .

Effects of second-hand smoke

The ban in England on smoking in all enclosed public places came into force on 1st July.…more .

The impact of climate change on health

Predicted changes in the world's climate will affect millions of people, particularly the poor, through increases in malnutrition and other diseases.…more .

Wake up to REACH

The new REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) regulations enter into force on 1 June 2007 and will affect all manufacturers, importers and downstream users of chemicals.....more .

Modelling mesothelioma risk for workers assembling military gas masks

A new IOM paper has been published on the risks of mesothelioma....more .

Changes in bar workers’ exposure to second-hand smoke following the introduction of the recent smoke-free legislation in England

The Tobacco Control Coordinating Centre (TCCC) are undertaking an England-wide study examining the effect of Smoke-free legislation on bar workers' exposure to second-hand smoke and health...more .

Royal Society of Chemistry publishes Nanotechnology Risk Book

'Nanotechnology - Consequences for Human Health and the Environment’ has this week been published by the Royal Society of Chemistry as part of its 'Issues in Environmental Science and Technology' series. ..more .

IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2006-2007 begins in September

The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh....more .

Professor Anthony Seaton CBE (DSc - Doctor of Science) Emeritus Professor of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of Aberdeen

Professor Anthony Seaton received an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from the University of Aberdeen on the 6th July. ..more .

Nanomaterials 2007: Inspiring commercial success

Nanomaterials 2007, is Europe's first annual conference on the commercialisation of nanotechnology....more .

HSE announce new Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

The table of WELs originally published by the HSE in Guidance Note EH40/2005, which is for use with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, has been updated and published on the internet...more .

Dermal exposure to lead

Lead is a naturally occurring element which has been used and extracted since ancient times...more .

The impact of climate change on health

Predicted changes in the world's climate will affect millions of people, particularly the poor, through increases in malnutrition and other diseases...more .

BUPA Great Edinburgh Run

Members of staff from the Edinburgh Head Office joined over 6,600 other runners and completed the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run on Sunday 6th May 2007...more .

Maynard and Aitken call for new methods for measurement of exposure to nanoparticles

New methods and tools for measuring exposure to airborne engineered nanomaterials will be required to protect the health of workers in nanotechnology-related jobs according to Andrew Maynard, chief science advisor at the Woodrow Wilson Center's Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, and SAFENANO Director Rob Aitken of the IOM...more .

Bioaerosols: Endotoxin - what is it and why measure it?

A recent BOHS meeting in Newcastle focused on the impacts of exposure to bioaerosols on workers in the waste industry...more .

New nanotoxicology study

An important nanotoxicology book co-edited by Lang Tran, Principal Toxicologist at the IOM is due to be published later this year....more

Dr John Cherrie becomes President of the British Occupational Hygiene Society

On the 18th April 2007 John Cherrie, IOM's Research Director, began his term as President of the British Occupational Hygiene Society or BOHS...more

IOM exhibition at Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2007

The Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2007 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham ( 28 February - 1 March 2007) is a major national event for occupational health professionals, employers, HR managers and those involved with health promotion in the workplace...more

IOM wins enabling contract to provide expert advice to European Parliamentary commitee

The IOM has been awarded a contract by the European Parliament to provide independent expert advice on a variety of emerging issues in the field of Health and Safety at Work to its Committee on Employment and Social Affairs..more

New data on the number of mesothelioma deaths in Britain

The Health and Safety Executive have published new information on the number of deaths from mesothelioma in Great Britain..more

Second hand cigarette smoke eliminated

IOM scientists in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Aberdeen have published an article in the journal Tobacco Control....more

'Less than satisfactory' - CST publishes analysis of Government Policy Progress on Nanotechnologies

The Government's leading advisers on science and technology fear that Britain may be falling behind in its engagement with the fast developing field of nanotechnologies....more

IOM presentations at the British Occupational Hygiene Conference

IOM staff have presented eight papers at the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) conference in Glasgow...more .

IOM Scientist to chair 2nd Nanotoxicology Conference

Following the success of the 1st Nanotoxicology Conference in Cambridge , MA the 2nd Nanotoxicology Conference is to take place from 19th-21st April 2007 , San Servolo, Venice , Italy. ..more .

Northern Ireland goes smoke free

On the 30th April 2007 Northern Ireland will ban smoking in enclosed public places, including indoor workplaces and some vehicles...more

Construction industry briefings

The IOM is publishing a regular series of briefings that focus on health issues in the construction industry...more

Stakeholder meeting: Exposure assessment for REACH

IOM along with several other European research organisations will run a stakeholder meeting to discuss exposure and exposure scenario development in the context of REACH...more

IOM investigates carbon emissions

We have recently made a preliminary assessment of our carbon footprint...more

IOM's Scientific Director to chair Inhaled Particles X Symposium

Fintan Hurley, IOM's Scientific Director, will act as Scientific Chair of the Inhaled Particles X Symposium.......more

The RICE and MMMF Fibre Counting Scheme

From December 2006, these schemes will be operated by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL).......more

New sampler to assess dermal exposure during wet working

IOM scientists publish details of a new monitoring device to help measure the risks of irritant contact dermatitis from working with water.....more

REFNANO: Defining Reference Materials for Nanoparticle Toxicology and Metrology

IOM in partnership with Central Science Laboratory (CSL), National Physical Laboratory (NPL), NANOcentral, Napier University and Edinburgh University has been asked by DEFRA to carry out a review and develop recommendations about reference materials for engineered nanoparticle toxicology and metrology....more

Online Library now available

All IOM research reports are now freely available for download from our web site...more

Health impact assessment for proposed London LEZ

IOM and AEAT have been recently completed a health impact assessment (HIA) of the proposed designation of Greater London as a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for Transport for London (TfL)...more

Research findings a breath of fresh air for bar staff

A massive improvement in air quality is just one of the positive effects of Scotland's smoking ban, a leading scientist from Aberdeen University will tell MSPs at today's meeting of the Health Committee...more

IOM contributes to first Particle Toxicology textbook

CRC have published the first dedicated textbook on Particle Toxicology...more

Five 'Grand Challenges for Safe Nanotechnology'

Expert group sets out framework for delivery of 'safe' Nanotechnologies...more

IOM scientists talks at the Swedish Nobel Forum

The results of IOM research on nano-particles was presented during a symposium on 'Nanotoxicology: Potential Risks and Safety Assessment' at Sweden's Nobel Forum...more

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) news

The WHO fibre counting rules described in HSG 248 (HSE 2005) came into effect on 13th November 2006...more

Analytical support for dust monitoring

Dust is about to re-emerge on the occupational health agenda as an issue in 21st century workplaces...more

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a medically unexplained illness characterised by severe disabling fatigue and other symptoms....more

IOM's SAFEnano Initiative announced as DTI's newest Nanotechnology Centre

Institute of Occupational Medicine awarded contract for nanotechnology risk information service...more

Exposure monitoring for the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry prides itself on a clean, safe image....more

IOM hosts a meeting of the Editorial Board of the Annals of Occupational Hygiene

The Editorial Board of the prestigious international scientific journal The Annals of Occupational Hygiene met at IOM on the 22nd September. ...more

Dr John Cherrie delivers a lecture on Understanding Exposure

On the 4th October, John Cherrie spoke at the British Occupational Hygiene Autumn Scientific meeting in Manchester....more

HSE introduce a new limit on the concentration of crystalline silica in air

From 1 October 2006, an updated workplace exposure limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica came into force. ...more

IOM Consulting Exhibition at Olympia, London (10th/11th October)

IOM Consulting invites you to come and meet us at Stand Number F92 on the 10th and11th of October, 2006 in Olympia, London....more

European Asbestos Removal Association conference

Dr Alan Jones, the lead IOM author for the recently published European best practice guide to prevent or minimise exposure to asbestos, will be one of the keynote speakers at the forthcoming European Asbestos Removal Association conference in Brussels....more.

EC publishes best practice guide to prevent or minimise exposure to asbestos

"Asbestos is deadly serious! Prevent exposure!" is the slogan of the 2006 European Asbestos Campaign launched by the European Commission....more.

HSE have updated advice about hand-arm vibration

More than five million workers are exposed to hand-arm vibration in the workplace....more.

Heavy Fuel Oils Exposure

IOM has been awarded a programme of research to investigate typical dermal exposures to heavy fuel oils (HFO)....more.

How important is skin exposure to isocyanates?

Scientists from IOM and the UK Health and Safety Laboratory have published an article showing very low airborne isocyanate concentrations in a range of companies investigated.....more

Nanotechnology: the Next big Thing, Or Much Ado About Nothing?

The Annals of Occupational Hygiene has this week published a key paper on the safety of emerging nanotechnologies by Dr Andrew Maynard of the Woodrow Wilson International Center....more

IOM seminar on occupational dermatitis

IOM has organised an internal seminar to discuss the problems of work-related dermatitis and how we can help employers and workers find solutions to their problems....more

Sulphuric acid limit to be reduced

The European Union Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) has decided to set an exposure limit for sulphuric acid mist of 0.05 mg/m3 (8-hour average) and 0.1 mg/m3 (15-minutes), twenty times lower than the previous limit....more

Meeting on 'Ergonomics principles in the design of work systems'

Dr Richard Graveling, Senior Ergonomics Consultant at the IOM has recently visited Tokyo to attend an International Standards meeting on ‘Ergonomics principles in the design of work systems’ (ISO 6385)....more

It's in your hands

The 'It's In Your Hands' campaign has been developed by the HSE, IOM, the British Safety Industry Federation and others to promote improved skin care within at-risk sectors, such as construction (particularly bricklayers and floor and wall tilers), hairdressing, catering, cleaning and in dentistry. We hope that this will provide practical guidance on how to reduce work-related skin conditions....more

Cancer study at NSUK in Greenock

HSE, together with scientific collaborators from the IOM, will soon meet management at National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd (NSUK) to agree the start of a follow-up investigation of cancer deaths amongst former employees at the plant in Greenock.…more

FP7 Nanotechnology

Rob Aitken, IOM's Director of Strategic Consulting, has accepted an invitation to join the Expert Advisory Group of the EU 7 th Framework Program (FP7), for Nanotechnology. ...more

How important is skin exposure to isocyanates?

Scientists from IOM and the UK Health and Safety Laboratory have published an article showing very low airborne isocyanate concentrations in a range of companies investigated ...more

Council of Science and Technology Review of the Government Response to the Royal Society Report

.The Council for Science and Technology (CST) has been asked by Government to review progress of its commitments on nanotechnology policy, and has issued an invitation for written evidence. ...more

IOM Consulting Exhibition at Olympia, London (10th/11th October)

.IOM Consulting invites you to come and meet us at Stand Number F92 on the 10th and11th of October, 2006 in Olympia, London. ...more

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council publish a new review of upper limb disorders and recommendations on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) have just published a new review of the evidence for the work-relatedness of selected upper limb disorders. This review relates to listing of these as a Prescribed Diseases, not to whether or not they can be caused by work. ...more

Congratulations to Dr Karen Creely

Karen Creely has successfully defended her PhD thesis and will be awarded her degree by Aberdeen University. ...more

IOM have registered with SHAW

IOM have registered to become part of the Scotland’s Health at Work (SHAW) awards scheme. ...more

Characterising the potential risks posed by engineered particles

The UK government have published their first report describing their research objectives to characterise the potential risks to health and the environment posed by engineered nanoparticles. The report is available from the DEFRA web site. ...more

IOM completes a study of the background levels of uranium in the urine of military personnel

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) commissioned IOM to study the distribution of urinary uranium concentrations and isotope compositions in personnel who had not served in Iraq. ...more

A practical guide to minimise asbestos risks in all types of work that may involve asbestos containing materials

Under a contract from the European Commission (EC), the IOM has drafted a practical guide on behalf of the Senior Labour Inspectors Committee (SLIC). The IOM team prepared the guide in consultation with a SLIC working group. ...more

Asbestos in soil

The former widespread use of asbestos in industrial premises means that management of asbestos contaminated soils is an issue for many redevelopment projects. The Environment Agency is currently considering setting a Soil Guideline Value ...more

Recall of nano product in Germany

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has revealed that consumers have experienced respiratory problems after using a domestic cleaning product containing nanoparticles....more

Risk assessment for metals

The European metals industry has taken a proactive approach to the development of guidance for REACH through the HEalth Risk Assessment Guidance or HERAG project ...more

University of Aberdeen leads evaluation of the effect of smoking on bar-workers' health

The IOM is involved with a major study to investigate the impact Scotland's smoking ban might have on the health of the nation's bar staff ...more

IOM launches 'IOM Solutions'

Today the IOM launched 'IOM Solutions', a new perspective on our mission to improve human health in the workplace and in the wider environment. We recently created three business streams – IOM Research, IOM Consulting and IOM Services ...more

Protecting against Pandemic and Avian Flu

Respirators are key weapons for protecting workers against pandemic and avian flu. Recent Health Protection Agency guidance proposes taking many steps to reduce the risk of infection in the event of a 'flu pandemic. ...more

Martie van Tongeren has been appointed to head IOM's Human Exposure Research programme

Dr Martie van Tongeren will take over as Head of Human Exposure Research at IOM during the summer. He is currently Senior Lecturer in Occupational Health at the University of Manchester ...more

IOM contribution towards Government's Air Quality Strategy

On the 5th of April the UK Government published, for consultation, its most recent Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The report is in two volumes and is available on the DEFRA website. ...more

A European guide on best practice for work involving asbestos

The IOM has recently prepared a practical guide on best practice to minimise asbestos risks. This guide has been drafted on behalf of, and in consultation with, the Senior Labour Inspectors Committee and under a contract from the European Commission (EC). ...more

New appointments at IOM

The IOM recently appointed Dr John Cherrie as Research Director, and Dr Robert Aitken as Director of Strategic Consulting. ...more

DEFRA launch a consultation on a voluntary reporting scheme for nanoparticles (31st March 2006)

Companies working at the cutting edge of nanotechnology are being invited to share their knowledge with the Government through a voluntary reporting scheme....more

Special edition of CORDIS newsletter on Nanotechnology

The European Commission have published a special edition of their CORDIS research newletter featuring Nanotechnology. ...more

REALFILTERS

IOM has recently been awarded a major new research study by the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) concerned with condition, status and use of organic vapour filters in industry. The study, REALFILTERS, will be carried out in collaboration with the Health and Safety Laboratory in Buxton over a period of twelve months. ...more

The Safety of Nano-materials Interdisciplinary Research Centre (SnIRC) website

IOM has launched a new website to help to address concerns relating to the potential risks to health and to the environment from nanotechnology and nanoparticles. ...more

Nanotechnology and Occupational Health

The second international symposium on Nanotechnology and Occupational Health will be held in Minneapolis on October 3-6, 2005. IOM is pleased to be associated as a co-sponsor of this important conference which will be the premier global meeting of 2005 addressing the potential implications and applications of nanotechnologies in the workplace....more

The Institute of Occupational Medicine announces new Chief Executive Officer

Dr Philip Woodhead has been appointed as the new CEO in succession to Dr Colin Soutar. ...more

A workshop on the permeation of chemicals through skin

IOM and a number of collaborators have recently organised a workshop on in vitro methods to assess dermal permeation of industrial chemicals. You can now download the report and the agreed protocol for testing. ...more

Infection Risks for Embalmers

IOM has published a review on the infection risks for embalmers. The report concludes that further research is needed to properly understand whether the risks are properly controlled. This work was funded by the British Institute of Embalmers. ...more

Official opening of IOM's new HQ building

The IOM's new HQ building was officially opened by Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace, on the 30^th June 2004. ...more

Does the flame retardant decaBDE Present a risk to health?

IOM publishes a new review of the flame retardant decaBDE in which we conclude that at current levels of exposure there is no risk for workers or the general public. ...more

The IOM has relocated to new purpose built HQ premises

New location at Research Avenue North, adjacent to He riot-Watt University, from 24^th November 2003 ...more

HSE publishes results of IOM research into Particulate Toxicity

Report of HSE commissioned study into Particulate Toxicity undertaken by the IOM ...more

IOM Report on health risks of London Underground dust

Findings of IOM study into the health risks of dust in the London Underground. ...more

Living in Central Scotland may shorten your life

Investigation of the health impacts of air pollution for the Scottish Executive. ...more

IOM and HSE - Securing Health Together

The IOM's involvement in new HSE online community initiative, with links. ...more

Diabetes and Work

Basis of discrimination at work unfounded says new research. ...more

Cloud over island paradise

IOM investigates volcanic eruption in the West Indies. How the IOM helped the people of Montserrat adapt to life after the eruption. ...more

Stress in the Workplace - The new litigation time bomb:

Reducing stress at work: New procedures developed by IOM.

...more

Sheep dipping hazards Farmers demand government rethink on guidelines:

IOM research on organophosphate exposure. ...more

IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2005-2006 begins in September.

The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh. ...more