March is Brain Injury Awareness Month Today starts Brain Injury Awareness Month. Every March for the last 30 years the Brain Injury Association of America has helped spread awareness of the devastating effects of brain injuries by educating the public about them and the needs of the brain injured and their families. The current campaign, […]
Toxic Manganese Exposure and its Effects
Toxic Manganese Exposure and its Effects Manganese is a very useful and important element. It is used in the production of dry cell batteries, fuel additives, fungicides, paint, and adhesives. It is also used for steel production, the production of potassium permanganate (a disinfectant), the creation of glass and ceramics, matches and fireworks, welding rods, […]
How Asbestos Shingles Started and Why They are so Dangerous
How Asbestos Shingles Started and Why They are so Dangerous When asbestos was considered a safe material, it was used in many different products because of its strength and insulating properties. One man, Lutwig Hatscheck, purchased an asbestos factory in 1893, and in 1900 invented asbestos cement. He was then able to patent the product […]
El Dorado Hills’ Asbestos Problem
El Dorado Hills’ Asbestos Problem El Dorado Hills, 22 miles east of Sacramento, California, is a seemingly normal town with good schools, nice golf courses, and gated communities. It is one of the fastest growing areas in California, but it has one problem: naturally occurring asbestos. Most people were unaware of the asbestos lurking underneath […]
Fracking and its Effects on the Environment and Human Health
Fracking and its Effects on the Environment and Human Health Hydraulic Fracturing, or fracking, is the process of injecting millions of gallons of water, sand, and toxic chemicals into the ground to extract natural gas. Fracking was created by Halliburton to increase production in conventional oil and gas wells when the wells started to run […]
February is Cancer Prevention Month
February is Cancer Prevention Month According to the World Health Organization 30 to 50 percent of all cancer cases are preventable. The largest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality is tobacco smoking, which kills approximately 6 million people each year (from cancer and other diseases). The reason tobacco smoke is so dangerous is that there […]
The History of Ambler, Pennsylvania
The History of Ambler, Pennsylvania Ambler, Pennsylvania, a small town 16 miles north of Philadelphia, was once known as the asbestos manufacturing capital of the world. The town thrived because of Richard Mattison, the son of a Quaker farmer. He went to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. While […]
The Difference between COPD and Asbestosis
The Difference between COPD and Asbestosis COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease obstructing airflow from the lungs. It is caused by irritating gases and particulate matter, which is usually cigarette smoke. The two biggest contributors to COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is caused by inflammation of the lining of […]
Recycling and Disposal of Asbestos
Asbestos is a highly regulated substance under many different statutes: As solid waste under the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) As a hazardous substance under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) As a building Material under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) As an airborne contaminant under the National Emissions Standard […]
Clairton Coke Works Causing Poor Air Quality After Fire
A December 24 fire at the Clairton Coke Works is still causing air pollution problems for surrounding communities. Twenty-two communities are being affected by the fire and an advisory will be in effect indefinitely until the plant is fixed. There are higher levels of sulfur dioxide than normal, which can affect breathing by aggravating respiratory […]