Press Release
Around 21 percent of deaths from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) among U.S. residents during 2020–2022 might have been associated with occupational exposures, according to a report published in the March 6 issue of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). While the causes of IPF are unknown, studies have suggested occupational exposures to pesticides, wood dust, and metal dust as possible contributing factors. According to CDC, research has also indicated associations between IPF and cigarette smoking, genetic mutations, and viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis C. The 21-percent estimate is based on the agency’s exploratory analysis of multiple cause-of-death data from the National Vital Statistics System, which collects information on U.S. births and deaths. At the time of CDC’s analysis, 2020–2022 were the most recent years for which industry and occupation information was available for most decedents. The report describes IPF as a disease “characterized by progressive scarring of lung tissue and declining lung function, with a median survival of 3–5 years after diagnosis.” CDC estimates that, among those with IPF listed as the underlying or a contributing cause of death, the deaths of 8,340 males and 5,908 females in 2020–2022 might have resulted from occupational exposures. The highest number of IPF deaths occurred among males who worked in the manufacturing industry and among females who worked in healthcare and social assistance. Workers in the public administration and educational services industries had some of the highest “significantly elevated” proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs), and the report’s authors—who are affiliated with the NIOSH Respiratory Health Division—also note elevated PMRs among workers in healthcare practitioner and technical occupations. “Workers in some of these industries and occupations would be anticipated to have frequent exposure to secondhand smoke; vapors, gas, dust, and fumes; biologic (e.g., bioaerosols in indoor environments); chemical (e.g., pesticides); and other hazards in the workplace,” the report explains. EPA Allows More Time for Data Reporting on 16 Chemicals A rule issued last week by EPA extends the deadline for manufacturers and importers of 16 chemicals to provide the agency with data from unpublished health and safety studies. The rule, which became effective on March 13, extends the reporting deadline for one of the chemicals, vinyl chloride, by 90 days to June 11, 2025. Manufacturers and importers of the other 15 chemical substances covered under the rule now have an additional 180 days, until Sept. 9, 2025, to provide EPA with the required information. In addition to data from health and safety studies, the agency is also requiring affected entities to submit unpublished studies related to environmental effects and exposures to workers, consumers, and the general population. According to EPA, “[t]hese health and safety studies will help inform EPA’s prioritization, risk evaluation and risk management of chemicals under TSCA,” the Toxic Substances Control Act. Benzene, bisphenol A, hydrogen fluoride, and styrene are among the substances for which manufacturers and importers must report data. Five of the 16 chemicals—MBOCA, acetaldehyde, acrylonitrile, benzenamine, and vinyl chloride—were previously identified by EPA as high-priority substances for risk evaluation. For more information, read the rule in the Federal Register or visit EPA’s webpage on TSCA health and safety data reporting. The Training You Need – When You Need It Learn when it’s convenient for you. Many of Environmental Resource Center’s courses are available in a computer-based training format. Check out our website for a complete list of available courses! Construction Company Fined $157,500 Following a Fatal Trench Accident The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued $157,500 in citations to W. A. Rasic Construction for multiple violations of workplace safety regulations following a fatal trench collapse. The incident resulted in the tragic death of an employee working in an unprotected excavation. What Happened: On August 28, 2024, at around 3:00 a.m., a worker was inside a 17-foot-deep trench when a portion of it collapsed. The collapse caused a concrete pipe to be displaced, pinning and killing the employee. Cal/OSHA’s investigation identified serious violations of workplace safety regulations related to excavation and trench safety. What Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee said: “No worker should lose their life due to preventable safety failures. We will continue to enforce trench safety regulations, hold employers accountable and work to ensure that safety standards are upheld to protect workers.” Violations Identified by Cal/OSHA:
- Failure to implement an effective injury and illness prevention program: W. A. Rasic Construction did not implement an effective injury and illness prevention program to identify, evaluate, and correct workplace hazards, and provide training, a requirement that has been in place for more than 30 years. This failure exposed employees to the hazards associated with working in an unshored trench.
- Failure to conduct a proper inspection of the excavation site: The employer’s inspection failed to identify conditions that could lead to dangerous cave-in hazards or the lack of necessary protective systems, such as trench boxes or shoring, which could have prevented the collapse.
- Failure to Provide Adequate Cave-In Protection: The employer did not provide the necessary cave-in protection for employees working in an excavation approximately 17 feet deep. This critical safety failure exposed workers to the risk of fatal injury, as evidenced by the incident.
- Stronger Document Integrity: Reducing fraud and unauthorized access.
- Global Trust: Enabling secure, cross-border, interoperable identity verification.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlining document verification for a smoother passenger experience, strengthening regulatory oversight, and optimizing resource allocation.
- Fast-Track Technology Integration: Incorporate VC and DID technologies into national and international security frameworks, aligning with ICAO Annex 17 and Aircraft Operator Security Programs (AOSP).
- Prioritize Aviation Digital ID Use Cases: Integrate aviation digital identity solutions into national digital strategies to enhance global cooperation.
- Invest in Capacity Building: Allocate resources to equip industry stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and infrastructure for seamless implementation.
- Increase Stakeholder Engagement: Promote awareness and industry-wide adoption of digital identity solutions through targeted education and outreach.
Companies Mentioned
Business Categories Mentioned
