October, 2014 | The Pump Handle

Environmental Health Study engages residents in collecting air samples around fracking sites, finds high levels of dangerous chemicals

October 31, 2014 Kim Krisberg 2Comment

A recent study of air quality around unconventional oil and gas extraction sites — more commonly referred to as fracking — found high levels of benzene, hydrogen sulfide and formaldehyde, all of which pose risks to human health. But what makes this study particularly interesting is that the air samples were collected by the very people who live near the extraction sites, and the collection times were specifically triggered by the onset of health symptoms.

Food Safety & Nutrition Wayne Farms slammed by OSHA for gaming system on poultry worker injuries

October 30, 2014 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 4Comment

After more than a decade, OSHA used its “general duty clause” to issue citations to a poultry processing firm for ergonomic hazards.

Government Analysis: Raising the minimum wage could save billions in public assistance

October 29, 2014 Kim Krisberg 2Comment

Raising the federal minimum wage isn’t only good for workers — it’s good for the federal budget as well, according to a new issue brief from the Economic Policy Institute.

Labor Rights Paid sick days and working women: new (and disturbing) results from a Kaiser survey

October 28, 2014 Liz Borkowski, MPH 2Comment

A new Data Note on results from the Kaiser Family Foundation’s recent survey highlights how this country’s lack of nationwide paid sick leave places a disproportionate burden on women – and is particularly hard on low-income mothers.

Agriculture Lawsuits challenge EPA’s approval of new herbicide

October 28, 2014 Elizabeth Grossman 1Comment

Despite significant unanswered questions about human and environmental health impacts – and no exposure monitoring requirements – the EPA has approved a new herbicide called Enlist Duo for use on genetically engineered corn and soybeans in six Midwestern states. Environmental groups and farmers are suing to block approval, saying EPA failed to adequately assess health risks.

Drug Safety A Q&A with public health leaders on the opioid epidemic: ‘Prescription opioid abuse is still raging out of control’

October 24, 2014 Kim Krisberg 3Comment

While pharmaceutical companies are making billions in painkiller profits, it’s the public sector that ends up bearing the burden and cost of the fallout that accompanies skyrocketing sales of highly addictive prescription opioids. After the jump is a Pump Handle Q&A with two public health officials at the forefront of the opioid abuse epidemic within America’s big cities.

Labor Rights Destructive trends in workers’ compensation

October 23, 2014 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 7Comment

Decades of business-friendly “reforms” to workers’ compensation make the bargain between employers and labor no longer a good deal for injured workers.

Government Occupational Health News Roundup

October 21, 2014 Kim Krisberg 1Comment

Article series investigates lead poisoning at the nation’s gun ranges; autopsy shows coal miner was wrongly denied black lung benefits; health care workers take part in mass protective gear training; and a Wells Fargo employee sends a big email about income inequality.

Public Health Practice Worth reading: Ebola, family planning and “the conversation that matters most”

October 20, 2014 Liz Borkowski, MPH

Recent pieces address healthcare workers’ safety and the research behind controlling Ebola’s spread; end-of-life planning; contraception; and more.

Cancer New research finds that drinking soda may lead to cell aging and disease, regardless of obesity

October 17, 2014 Kim Krisberg

At this point, it’s pretty clear that soda is bad for your health. But a new study has found that it may be even worse than we thought.