10.1 Hirarchy of controls

I will highlight my family member who works at a construction site:
My family member has a lot of opportunities to harm himself ergonomically.
using the hierarchy of controls, here is how we might address them:

1. Elimination:
One example of eliminating a hazard is to automate a process so that workers don’t have to lift heavy equipment. recently, the company has gotten machines that help them roll wooden panels and lots of wooden dollies to help them carry their equipment.

2)Substitution:
using other less dangerous tools in place of the higher danger tools. Or another example is getting professional machines that can do the job like hammering the walls with an automatic nail gun.

3) Engineering controls:
instead of getting multiple people involved with dangerous work such as holding up pillars for wooden panels, you could get a T-brace machine or a lift that can help reduce the stress of the body.

4) administrative controls: constantly training new efficient ways to get jobs done. Hiring new staff that can share their experience to teach other methods. Take safety classes. Or, avoid the problem at all cost (i.e: not filing heavier than what you can carry to limit your back pain)

5) personal protective equipment :
using hard hats, wearing gloves, watching out for falling objects


what they're really doing about ?
the company is a rather small company with not a lot of money invested within these procedures. It also isn't a good thing that my family member works in a family owned construction company so a lot of the norms and beliefs on how things should be managed are "old school mentality"

2) What might be the barriers to workers exercising their rights to a healthy and safe workplace?

stakeholders such as employers must be willing to speak up when they feel they are not getting enough support or companies are limited due to their resources (financially/ educationally). Lots of companies are not willing to follow rules and regulations on certain practices and whether auditing or follow up for safety training and other resources to make their job more comfortable and efficient isn't always a priority.

M10.5 - WHO - Workers' health global plan of action

WHO: World Health Organization on global plan of action for occupational health

 

WHO, devised a collaboration with workers, employers and their organizations to implement a plan for workers' health. This helps establish a mechanism for legal frameworks and monitor their evaluation and helps get workers full coverage. This global action plan  helps encourage the incorporation of workers' health on a national level. This  plan also implements the global plan of action on workers' health, including health needs of the migrant workers. This also encourages the development of comprehensive health and non health strategies. The present plan of action deals with all aspects of workers’ health, including primary prevention of occupational hazards, protection and promotion of health at work, employment conditions, and a better response from health systems to workers’ health.

This action relates to our heath and safety because it provides access to policy and healthcare. Fair employment and decent work are important social determinants of health.  There are specific articles in the global plan for action that assists in the way we work - articles such as Article 2 stating its constitution to promote the improvement of working conditions and other aspects of environmental hygiene and developing healthy workplaces. 

Source: http://www.who.int/occupational_health/regions/en/

M10.2 Blog about Hydrochloric Acid

The form attached is from my UCSF op lab about Hydrochloric Acid 

• What are the health risks associated with this chemical?

Inhalation -  May be harmful if inhaled. 

Material-  is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. 

Skin -May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin burns. 

Eyes -Causes eye burns. Ingestion May be harmful if swallowed. 

• Is the chemical a carcinogen?

EPA has not classified hydrochloric acid for carcinogenicity

• What personal protective equipment or special precautions should be taken when working with this chemical?

Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances: 

 As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been exhausted).  Regulations require the use of a respirator.  An employer requires the use of a respirator.  There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of PEL) 

As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S.

Type of eye protection used to handle the chemical: Splash goggles. If used in large quantities, please use appropriate face shield. Skin and body protection Lab coat, long pants, closed-toed shoes Hygiene measures Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling Hydrochloric acid. 

• If this is a chemical found in your workplace, what training/education were you given about any risks associated with this chemical?

Burning sensation, cough, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, spasm, inflammation and edema of the larynx, spasm, inflammation and edema of the bronchi, pneumonitis & pulmonary edema

Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area. Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).

Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 immediately

Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention


Compared to ToxNet's findings, the information found was accurate. 

sources: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/hydrochloric-acid.pdf

M10.8 Black Lung

"Black lung" or better known as Pneumoconiosis, is a term that is given for any lung disease caused by dusts that are breathed in and then deposited deep in the lungs causing damage. Pneumoconiosis, is also known to be a product of asbestosis, coal workers - better known as black lung disease.

The history of black lung came from coal workers inhaling coal mine dust.
The disease is most commonly found among miners of hard coal, but it also occurs in soft coal miners or graphite workers.

Currently, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act  provided annual inspections in certain underground coal mines and including power to issue violation notices and imminent danger withdraws.

In 2006, congress passed the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response act (Miner Act). The Miner Act amended the Mine Act to require mine-specific emergency response plans to underground coal mines including rescue teams, sealing and abandoned areas.

Currently, in the U.S, there are Black Lung Clinics that receive funding from HRSA that seek out and provide services to coal miners whether they are currently involved or not.

There is also a Black Lung Benefit given medically for patients who qualify. I am familiar with Medicare benefits offering Black Lung as a diagnosis.



sources:
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumoconiosis/
https://arlweb.msha.gov/solicitor/coalact/69act.htm
https://www.npr.org/2012/07/05/156302772/what-is-black-lung

M9.4 Blog: Heavy Metals

Lead poisoning article: 

Lead poisoning goes back to the old times where artists would paint with lead based paint & would use their mouths to wet the tips of their brushes - unknowingly, ingesting a large amount of lead.
This article gave brief information such as this in the beginning, giving background information about the history lead has bestowed upon the general population.

The history of lead poisoning for children was well recognized in the late 1800's when numerous reports of lead reported in children lead to dangerous health risks. I liked reading about the history of lead and how advancement wise, we have taken action to work against incorporating this material in our items, however it is not completely gone.
I especially liked the section where it talks about how lead affects your body - it breaks down in your metabolic system, breaking down the metabolism of your cells.

Lead can also lead to your social behavior, which makes me think back to a lot of the cases where children were delayed mentally, could it have been due to over lead exposure as young children? or those were heavily exposed to lead and gave birth.

Nigeria lead poisoning :

I think it is sad that due to the country's agricultural growth it exposed children to lead poisoning and throughout the rest of the village. This is an example of how countries that have high extraction sites of dangerous metals and chemicals need to be properly educated on how the dangers of being around these metals and how it can affect their bodies and their environment.

M9.3 Blog: Green Chemistry

I have never heard of  "Green Chemistry" before, but a part of me recognizes the concept, but was unaware it had a definition. I like the idea of eliminating waste and thinking of ways to make material environmentally friendly. I work at UCSF and although we try to remain conscience of the waste we produce as a facility, a majority of our trash is non-environmentally friendly and must be disposed in secure places. I'm not too sure if they have green chemistry medical supplies and advancements.

I love the idea of the 12 principles of waste because individually, these statements are strong and action oriented. Each statement reminds the user that they are being accountable for their actions.
"Waste no atoms" is probably aimed towards biochemists but essentially, creating a company that prides itself on green chemistry is great.

I wanted to watch more on the video from Angela Sun. It was really alarming to know somewhere in the middle of the ocean ... is a bunch of trash that has traveled thousands of miles by weather / ocean. It's a terrible scene especially invading the animals' habitat.

M9.2 Six Chemical Classes

Highly Fluorinated Chemicals 

 Referred to as PFCs or PFAS's , fluorinated chemicals are used in many consumer products such as carper cleaning products, food packaging , clothes and  furnishings because of their oil/ stain / water repellent properties. 

Health concerns in the use of PFC's were found to have links to kidney and testicular cancers. These chemicals do not break down in the environment because of their chemical structure. 

Alternatives found instead of PFC's are: 

-choosing materials without water or stain repellant

-avoid food contact w/ greaseproof packaging (microwave etc.) 

-do not purchase Teflon materials for baking /cooking

-support companies that advocate against using PFC's in their materials 

Antimicrobials 

Antimicrobials, also referred to as antibacterials are chemicals  added to products that kill or inhibit the growth of microbes. Angtimicrobials are usually found in cleaning products, personal care products, soaps, paint, storage containers and more. Health concerns found in association w/ antimicrobials are hormone disruptors. Babies were found to be more susceptible and vulnerable to toxic chemicals. This can also trigger allergies in certain people. 

To note, it has not been data supported that utilizing antimicrobial items makes  a difference to your health 

What we can do to prevent the spread is to: 

-avoid products w/ the words "antimicrobial / antibacterial / anti-odor" 

-use minimal chemical soaps w/ less ingredients 

-spread the advocacy against anti-microbials 

Flame Retardants 

Flame retardants are chemicals that slow the process down for igniting fires. They are usually found in clothes, furniture, kitchen appliances, electronics, building materials and etc. Health concerns associated with flame retardants are when people ingest them  through dust - the biggest population affected by this material are toddlers who are on their hands and feet the majority of the time. 

Environmental concerns are due to soil contamination, pollutants were found to be high in levels. 

 

What we can do to avoid using these flame retardants are looking to make sure the materials do not contain them. 

Biphenols + Phthalates 

Biphenols and Phthaletes are hormone disruptors, that have many uses making plastic stronger'; 

Biphenols are used in polycarbonate plastic bottles such as water bottles, food containers and more. 

Phthalates are found in plastic wraps of vinyl flooring, shower curtains, toys, plastic wrap. 

These are hormone disruptors and can disrupt our body system, especially in young children. 

What  we can do to avoid the use of these materials are opt for glass, porcelain or steel for containers. We can also avoid microwaving plastic 

Washing hands

Some Solvents

Solvents are chemicals that are used to dissolve or disperse other substances. 

Products containing solvents include oil-based paints, adhesives, wood finishes, shoe polish, cosmetics, aerosols and more. 

The health concerns associated with BiPhenols and Phthalates are by breathing in the vapors that can lead to headaches, dizziness, brain fog and nerve damage. Higher levels of exposure can lead to asphyxiation or death. 

Exposure to these chemicals are from products that we unknowingly breathe - wet paint from outdoor environments, gasoline, cleaning products and more. 

What we can do to protect ourselves is use water based paints, instead of oil. 

select Safer-Choice permitted materials 

use paints , glues, stain removers in well ventilated areas 

Certain Metals 

 Certain metals are pure metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead that are naturally found in the earth. Mining for fossils, fuel combustion, and industries are often the most widespread contamination. 

Mercury: burning plants can release mercury into the air. the bacteria in the water made it more toxic, which can be soaked up through he fish of the environment. Eating fish that are long sustaining such as tuna are major sources of mercury exposure. 

Arsenic: rice, mushrooms, apples and other produce can absorb water through the soil. 

Lead: lead is found major sources such as paint, dust and in homes built prior to the 1980's. Lead can soak through water, and plumbing fixtures and be exposed to water making it acidic. lead was also a popular cheaper alternative to materials found in children's toys and dishes. 

The health concerns for all these materials are great- all these can affect fetuses in the womb during childbirth, harm brain development and lead to behavior problems. Mercury and arsenic were found to be associated with cerebrovascular systems. 

People have been exposed to metals through drinking water, ingesting or inhaling the dust. Young children are at higher risk of exposure because of the absorption of metals in relation to their bodies. 

What can we do to help limit the exposure? 

- reduce the dust exposure

- properly recycle 

-avoid fish that are high in mercury by following the US FDA fish chart

-lower the amount of rice -based foods 

- keep older toys away from children with exposure to lead 

source: http://www.sixclasses.org/videos/certain-metals

M8.5 Blog about an ideal chemical policy

An ideal chemical policy I would implement would be to protect ourselves from doing any further harm to our bodies. If it is inevitable that we  must handle these poisons and toxins, we must be educated to do so. For example, in India where pesticides and toxic chemicals are heavily relied on to have a "good business," they should be educated on the risks and associations of handling such chemicals. A chemical policy should be if chemicals are actively and knowingly being sold and distributed, there should be advocates /representatives ready to educate the population and provide resources and materials on how to protect yourself. I doubt the workers in India are aware of the defects they are causing for unborn children and to themselves, let alone know how it can affect them in the long-term.

We need to take a look on how successful Europe's policy has been on creating a uniformed protection for many chemicals that are still actively used today in the US.

My chemical policy would focus on protecting the users and environments by banning such chemicals from distribution and subjecting farmers / crop owners to random testing once a month to ensure they are not using strong poisonous pesticides on their crops.

M8.4 Blog Chemical Policy Reform Submit Assignment

Topic: Require Comprehensive Safety Data for All Chemicals 

This topic initially states that all chemicals must be publicly available for safety information about the chemical. The information must provide sufficient evaluation of the safety of the chemical for the human health and environment.The reform for Louisville Charter addresses the lack of the publicly available information about the effects of chemicals in our environment. There current U.S law does not require to voluntarily provide information about the chemicals.  Many resources do not disclose whether there is any evidence chemicals are hazardous during any types of exposure. The Louisville Charter is advocating for industries to provide reliable information to the public about the safety and chemicals use and how harmful they can be to our bodies and the environment. With the emerging research on chemical exposures that are harmful to our environment and body, more reveal their toxicity and with overtime exposure, are dangerous. 

The Toxic Substances  Control Act Passed by Congress in 1976, this enables the EPA to regulate toxic chemicals in the U.S. It is the only federal law that provides for regulation of most chemicals before and after they enter commerce. There are other environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act that regulates clean-up towards the environment workplace after chemicals are introduced. I find it interesting that much of the chemical information received by EPA under TSCA is not available to the public. Manufacturers don't have to  submit to EPA as confidential business information, and they do so routinely.

source: https://smartpolicyreform.org/the-charter/background-papers-for-the-louisville-charter/background-paper-5

M8.3 Blog Pesticides

What did you find out about the pesticide residues that may be in or on your food? What do you think about this? What should we be doing about this in terms of public health, not just in terms of our personal choices?

Meal analyzed: Rice, black beans with avocado, white breast chicken with hot sauce 

RICE

15 Pesticide Residues Found by the USDA Pesticide Data Program^1,2,3

Human Health Effects:

4	—	Known or Probable Carcinogens4
10	—	Suspected Hormone Disruptors
2	—	Neurotoxins
3	—	Developmental or Reproductive Toxins

Environmental Effects:

6

—

Honeybee Toxins5

As an Asian American ... I was not aware that rice held so many human health effects, especially the suspected hormone disruptors. The known carcigens I could understand because rice does form from a rice patty leaf, and it stems from the ground. I usually always wash my rice at least 3 times before steaming it.

AVOCADO

1 Pesticide Residues Found by the USDA Pesticide Data Program^1,2,3

Human Health Effects:

0	—	Known or Probable Carcinogens4
0	—	Suspected Hormone Disruptors
0	—	Neurotoxins
0	—	Developmental or Reproductive Toxins

Environmental Effects:

0

—

Honeybee Toxins5

I am not surprised avocados have little to no pesticides because of their large rough outer skin / shell and growing from the trees. I have wondered about what the difference was organic avocados vs. non-organic, and whether it tasted different. I did notice that buying organic avocados, my avocados rot faster than the non-organic. 

BLACK BEANS, CANNED

1 Pesticide Residues Found by the USDA Pesticide Data Program^1,2,3

Human Health Effects:

0	—	Known or Probable Carcinogens4
0	—	Suspected Hormone Disruptors
0	—	Neurotoxins
0	—	Developmental or Reproductive Toxins

Environmental Effects:

0

—

Honeybee Toxins5

I was not surprised since beans are regularly very healthy and protective against their shell.

What I believe we should do, which I have learned from the Harvest for Hope book by Dr.Jane Goodall, is learn to advocate to get the food industry to label their foods and make us aware of some of the "Frankenfruits" we are making. A lot of chemicals and resources go towards farming and cultivating certain fruits and vegetables, why would we want to waste all our resources just to harm our bodies? 

I did make a personal choice to eat more organic on certain vegetables that are more exposed to pesticides such as apples, oranges , grapes etc. I am trying to make the conscious effort! Especially organic lettuce since a lot of times I find bugs on the lettuce, biting holes through the vegetables. 

M7.8 Blog about your own- Effect of motor vehicle emissions on respiratory health

The topic of interest: The effect of vehicle emissions on respiratory health

Agencies involved at the federal level would be the Environmental Protection Agency  (EPA) who under the Clean Air Act (CAA), sets certain limits on air pollutants including transportation vehicle fuel standards, vehicle manufacturers, and more.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA) international
database that raises money for education and research with healthcare providers and policymakers in zones with high rates of childhood asthma. Currently,
Along with this agency, the CDC would also be involved tracking educational tools and tracking how many get admitted to facilities due to respiratory issues regarding exposure to possible vehicle emissions.
Local

The U.S Department of Energy  is also a resourceful area that can provide protection against public health by utilizing plug-in electric vehicles, and how they are changing healthcare industry. To reduce the use of petroleum gas, this can alter things such as global warming, reduction of vehicle emission gas and more.



useful resources: https://www.afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/pev_charging_healthcare.pdf

M7.7 About the NWS Agency

Source: https://www.weather.gov/about/

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, water, and climate data all over the nation. Forecasts about extreme weather conditions, warnings for the protection of life and property and more are all noted from this agency. Their vision is to prepare and respond to any weather event if necessary. The NWS  provides weather predictions, which supports social and economic development. People who fish or grow crops rely on weather predictions to guide them to see when is the best time to harvest. The forecasts and other services the NWS provides also gives updates on the ocean and water protective information.
Upon further review, I found out that collectively, they have 122 weather forecast offices, 13 River Forecast centers, 9 National centers and support offices that surveys more than 76 billion observations and forecasts. Not including all the technology that comes with it!

M7.4 Blog about your local environment

Source: https://www.smchealth.org/healthy-environment

On the San Mateo County website, there is a special tab called "Healthy Environment"
clicking on this link provides the following tabs:

Under the "Smoke-Free San Mateo County" features all sorts of information pertaining to how to advocate for smoke-free areas and resources for quitting addictions from smoking to opioid abuse. 

Beneath, there is a "Tobacco Coalition" tab, that features San Mateo campaign and news letters on spreading the advocacy to live tobacco free in San Mateo County. Now reflecting upon this, I have noticed in areas such as Burlingame, there are not many people who smoke on Burlingame Avenue. I have noticed that downtown San Mateo has a lot of cigarette butt canisters, so I believe this a great campaign. "Smoke Free Housing" - For San Mateo residents, an advocate for local residents who want to establish smoke free housing. They also educate the community about the harmful effects of second hand smoking. "Ending Youth Access to Tobacco" - With the resources of partnerships of schools, communities and law enforcement, to decrease the overall effort of teens getting into tobacco use. 

The "Healthy Housing" tab features resources on how to make your home safer by providing information on how to make your home "pest-free" from mold and other dust and protecting your child from lead poisoning. 

"Pets & Wildlife" features what to do in situations when you have pests living in your home, if wildlife is inhibiting your property, and how to protect your current pets. This tab also features how to help yourself in situations if you get bitten by any wildlife, how to vaccinate your pets, and advocating for the spay / neuter programs. 

"Water Protection & Land program"  tab has information on all the current topics such as water systems, wells and land use, groundwater protection program and how San Mateo takes bacteria water samples to make sure the water is good and monitored. 

"The Hazardous Materials" is an important tab that provides information for regulating facilities and how to handle and dispose dangerous waste. 

I especially appreciate the tab "Safe Fish to Eat" which features which type of fish to eat and during what time of the season. 

M6.7 Blog: Obesogens

From the website of the Center of Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture website (CUESA),  we can see what seasonal vegetables are in season and sold and lower prices:

now looking at this chart, I am going to print it out and utilize what I should be using during these times! Lucky we live in California where we have the ability to have a majority of these vegetables in season all year long !

By purchasing more local, seasonal foods, health care can influence how our food is grown, distributed, processed, and transported and can support human and ecological health. I love this idea and wish our own hospital at UCSF would implement this. This would assist the other communities and ensure healthy diets. Especially since UCSF is a community hospital !

I've never heard of the term "obesogens" before, and now learning about I want to do more research about it. I do believe in this because I was an obese child, way over the average BMI weight for my age as a teenager and I knew it developed from the poor diet I had. The more I hate unhealthy, the more my molecules would be open to this.



Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
This is a popular potential endocrine disruptor, found in almost everyone through our blood or physical contact. Human health effects include: 
-Subtle alterations in their thyroid hormone levels in aging populations 
-Women in early pregnancy were associated with smaller ab circumference and birth length were found.




Source: https://cuesa.org/eat-seasonally/charts/vegetables
https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~XZmWv9:3

M6.6 Use of Abx

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE 101: HOW ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE ON FACTORY FARMS CAN MAKE YOU SICK

I was always under the impression that manure was good for farmland. Little did I know now reading this article that fecal bacteria is collected and can provide more durable of spread for AR through the environment. The antibiotics that are given to the livestock produces this in their waste and keeps perpetuating the development of this bacteria.

I also always knew that compared to other countries, America was behind in the times of raising their livestock. I went to Europe earlier this year for the first time and I had never tasted more pure meat and produce before. In this article I learned Sweden was the first to ban of use of antibiotics for growth promoters, and Denmark has taken their approach back to animal practice, leaving the piglets longer with their mothers so they can grow.

I would support the passing of the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA) for the future of our livestock farmers, producing a cleaner food source and starting to negate against antibiotics.

NEARBY LIVESTOCK MAY RAISE 'SUPERBUG' RISK

I think its especially alarming that individuals are being struct with this bacteria,  regardless of transmissions source not being the primary host anymore. The fact that now people can be infected by just going through our nose particles really startles me because depending how close you live to livestock or farms, you could be easily contaminated. 
I agree, there should be better regulation in how livestock operations happen within the U.S

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THAT ANTIMICROBIAL WIPES AND SOAPS MAY BE MAKING YOU (AND SOCIETY) SICK

My initial thoughts about this article were I had always thought about whether or not these terms "anti-bacterial" and such would make a difference and I'm glad someone conducted the research to do so! I think it makes people feel better knowing they're doing their part to decrease the infection by wiping down their placements and covering their cough, but whether or not these practices work is another story. I like the analogy they used in the article, you do not want to rid your hands of all the bacteria but eliminate the "tourists," reminding you that you naturally have a defense mechanism. 

A REPORT ABOUT THE NEW PRACTICE OF INCORPORATING ANTIMICROBIALS INTO THE MANUFACTURE OF HOSPITAL FURNISHINGS

Working for UCSF, one of the top acute hospitals in the US, reading this article made me think a lot more about our regulation and policy about making sure we're being compliant. The attention to cleanliness is important and especially following the regulations. Working in the operating room (OR) , I always remembered  how strict and accurate the rules were, especially if you were just there  spectating.