Blogging

Is blogging an effective learning tool?

  Throughout my use of blogging in class, I feel that I have learned much more that I would have if this class were conducted in a conventional matter.  I believe that blogging is an effective learning tool.  In my experience, I was able to do my own research and use the information that I feel was important.  This way of learning steers away from taking notes in a class and then memorizing them for a test a few weeks later.  Blogging really gives the students the motivation to research and learn about what interests them in a particular topic.  

  In most of my classes now, it's difficult for me to learn the information because I have no way to relate to what I'm learning about.  I get bored in class and don't want to do the mindless homework or readings.  With blogging, I'm able to read about the topic on my own and draw connections between the topic and my life.  This allows me to retain the information better, and actually feel like I'm learning in class.  I look forward to researching the information because I know that I have the ability to choose what I want to focus on.  The blogs are in my own words, which also helps me better understand the material or topic.  For me, sometimes after I'm done with my blog, I keep researching the topic because it's interesting to me.  I feel that this happens for other students as well, which really benefits me knowledge on the topic even after the blog.

  Another reason that I feel blogging is an effective learning tool is the lack of stress involved.  I can write the blog on my own time and I have a little bit of freedom with what I write about the topic.  This allows for me to really enjoy the research and enjoy writing about what I have found.  Although the blogs take some time to write, I feel that the work is definitely worth it for the knowledge that I have gained.  It is also less stressful because it allows for the students to do the work throughout the school year, rather than trying to memorize everything for a final exam at the end of the year.  

  Blogging also allows for online record of your work and knowledge throughout the class.  I know that I don't have to hunt down any papers or worry about having thrown them away, because all my work and thoughts are online.  In the future, if I ever want to look back on what I've done in the class, I can always look it up online.  Overall, I love the idea of blogging as a tool for learning.  I think that it benefits the students more than a conventional class. 

Personal Protective Equipment

What is personal protective equipment?

   Personal protective equipment is a way for individuals to protect themselves from the hazardous conditions.  This type of equipment is most commonly used in the workplace to prevent adverse health affects.  Personal protective equipment can be used to shield the body from many dangerous sources such as particulate matter, fumes, chemicals, radiation, and many others.  There is a wide variety of options when it comes to personal protective equipment.  The type of hazard and severity of the exposure an individual has determines the equipment that should be worn to prevent injury or illness.  The different types of equipment range from gloves and safety goggles to full body suits and respirators.  This personal protective gear can saves lives if used and worn properly.  This is why it's important that these tools are tested and checked regularly for any imperfections, holes, or tears.  Also, the equipment needs to prevent substances from seeping through the material even in the absence of noticeable imperfections.  There are two main ways that substances can get through the protective gear and onto the individual.  These two ways are permeation and penetration.

What is the difference between penetration and permeation?

   Permeation and penetration are both ways that dangerous chemicals or harmful substances can reach the individual.  Penetration can occur when there are holes, imperfections, or gaps in the fabric.  Although the fabric is large enough to stop the particles, large gaps in the fabric allow for easy access of the harmful substances directly to the human body.  To prevent penetration, it's important to physically examine the equipment before and after each use.  If there are any imperfection or holes, don't risk it; chances are it's not safe.  The second way that harmful chemicals can reach the body is through permeation.  Permeation happens at the microscopic level.  This is where the particles pass between the molecules of the barrier.  This can not be been by the human eye, and by the time you notice contact with the body, it may be too late.  The way to prevent permeation from happening is to ensure that the correction prevention is being used for the correct hazard.  If the protection is not meant for a certain dangerous substance, it may not work properly to prevent contact with the individual.  Overall, it's important to understand and be aware of the environment that you are being exposed to.  When you are aware of the surroundings, you can pick the best personal predictive equipment to prevent adverse health effects.  

Sources:

  Personal Protective Equipment 

     https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/

  Permeation vs Penetration 

    http://www.lakeland.com/europe/our-products/fr-chemical-protective-clothing/further-information-permeation-vs-penetration-pyrolon-crfr.html

   Chemical Protective Garments

     http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/personal-protective-equipment/chemical-protective-garments/faqs/protective-garments.html

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

What is Wet Bulb Globe Temperature? How is it used?

   Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is one of the main ways to measure the temperature, humidity, and wind.  These three sources of information allow us to know the different precautions that we should be taking when we are outside exposed to this environment.  Within the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature tool, there are three components: natural wet bulb temperature, air temperature, and globe temperature.  These three measurements are combined using different equations, based on location, to give the overall Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reading.  When indoors, the individuals are not experiencing effects of radiation from the sun.  The equation for indoors only includes the natural wet bulb temperature and the globe temperature.  When outdoors, the individuals are being exposed to the sun.  That calculation involves all three of the readings from the tool.  Many different companies base their break times, equipment worn, and exposure time on this Wet Bulb Globe Temperature.  The information that is gathered from this reading allows the company to keep their workers in a safe and healthy environment.  Not only is this tool used in the workplace, but it is also used for sports and other physical actives that take place outside.  The overall number calculated after measurements are taken is compared to an index that lets the workers know if they will experience adverse health affects from their current environment.  The environment is always changing, so it's important to make sure that readings are being taken throughout the day to ensure safety throughout the work period. 

What are the different concerns with hot and cold stress?

   Heat is not the only thing that can have a damaging affect on the human body.  Cold is just as dangerous, if not worse.  In severely hot situations, the body can be at risk for heat stress.  There are many different types of heat stress, including dehydration, fainting, cramps, heat stroke, and heat rash.  When using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, the risk of these health affects from heat can be reduced drastically.  Along with head stress, cold stress can also have life long affects on the body.  Different types of cold stress include hypothermia and frostbite.  Both of these health affects can be deadly if they aren't treated in time.  Knowing the environment that you are putting your body in is very important to ensuring health and safety for many more years.  New technology with tools, like the one mentioned above, are ways that allow us to be more aware of the stresses our body is being put through.  

Sources:

  Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Monitoring 

     http://ksi.uconn.edu/prevention/wet-bulb-globe-temperature-monitoring/

  Extreme Hot or Cold Temperature Conditions 

     http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/hot_cold.html

  Health and Safety Executive

     http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/heatstress/measuring/wetbulb.htm

Radiation Exposure and Effects

What is radiation? Where does it come from?

  To put it simply, radiation is energy that is given off by matter.  The radiation given off is basically particle at very high speeds in the form of waves.  All matter in the universe aims to become more stable.  In this process, the matter has to release energy to become more stable.  This emission of energy is what we know today as radiation.  Radiation comes from many sources in our universe.  Some of these sources are natural and some are manmade.  The natural radiation comes from different sources such as water and food or cosmic rays from outer space.  This natural form of radiation has been here since before the dawn of time, and is something that we can't get rid of.  On the other hand, manmade radiation is increasing with the population.  Artificial radiation comes from microwaves, X-rays, smoke detectors, cell phones, TVs, and many more.  These are all unnatural sources that have been developed over time by the human race.  Although some emissions are natural, radiation is still very dangerous and harmful to the human body.

How does radiation affect the human body?

  Just like any other hazardous substance, the type, amount, and level of exposure all effect how radiation changes the body.  The higher the amount, time, and level of radiation that an individual is exposed to drastically increases the damaging affects that will take a toll on the body. The damage is also affected by how the radiation enters the body, whether it is through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption.  The average individual in the United States is exposed to 100-300 mrem per year.  This dosage includes natural and manmade sources.  The body can handle some amounts of radiation due to the fact that it's natural.  Overtime, over exposure causes dangerous effects to individuals and future generations.  On the lower end of exposure, between 5-25 rad, the small dose can only be detected by chromosome analysis.  Between 150-200 rad of exposure, the individual will experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.  At the highest and most dangerous level, greater than 1,000 rad, the individual will experience during sensations, vomiting, and confusion.  With this amount of exposure, the individual will be killed within one to two weeks.  If an individual survives after radiation exposure, the damage can still harm future generations.  The cells are permanently damaged and when reproducing, the damaged cells will be passed on to the offspring.  Overall, radiation exposure is a very serious topic.  It's important to be aware of your surroundings and know what you are being exposed to before it's too late. 

Sources:

  Hong Kong Observatory 

     http://www.hko.gov.hk/education/dbcp/radiation/eng/r12.htm

  Unites States Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

     http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/related-info/faq.html#2

  Basics of Industrial Hygiene 

     pages 231-232

Radon Testing

What is Radon?

  Radon is a highly radioactive gas that has no taste or smell.  These features make it impossible to notice without testing or contracting side effects.  This dangerous gas is the leading cause of lung-cancer for nonsmokers.  The fact that this gas is stable as a single atom leads to many different dangers.  The main danger due to the small size of this element is that it can penetrate through almost anything, including paper, paint, concrete, wood, and insulation.  This means that radon can get into homes without the owners knowing it.  In fact, in Athens County, the average indoor radon level is 5 pCi/L.  This is why it's important to test regularly for the hazardous gas before it's too late. 

How do you test for it?

  There are two main ways to test for radon in areas, passive and active.  The passive form of testing involves a charcoal test kit.  This comes with a small strip of treat plastic that is marked when the radon particles hit the plastic.  It records the amount of radon that touches the strip, and then is taken to the lab for analysis.  The analysis in lab will then come back with a report of the levels of radon in that area.  The second main method for testing in active.  This method uses a continuous radon monitor.  This device actively pumps air through the monitor, keeping track of the amount of radon that passes through.  This method requires proper training to ensure that the technique is done correctly.  

What are the different Radon mitigation methods? 

   After testing and determining the presence of radon, there are different ways to reduce the amount that is in a home.  The different layouts and structures of each home will ultimately determine the best way to go about radon mitigation.  A common way to reduce radon is through active soil depressurization.  This method uses a system of underground pipes and fans.  The two pieces work in conjunction to remove the radon from below the home near the concrete foundation before it has the ability to seep into the home.  The most common way to effectively reduce radon is through sub-slab depressurization.  In this method, suction pipes are place into the crush rock below the slab.  They are used with a vent fan to pull the radon from below the home and release it into the surrounding atmosphere.  This limits the amount of radon emission being directly put into the home. With all radon reduction methods, cracks and holes in walls or floors are sealed to limit the access that radon as for entering the home.  Although those are just two similar types of radon mitigation, there are many more different ways. 

Sources:

  Air Chek Inc

     http://www.radon.com/radon/radon_facts.html

  Athens County Radon Information 

     http://county-radon.info/OH/Athens.html

  Radon FAQ

     http://www.radon.com/radon/radon_FAQ.html

  Nevada Radon Education Program

     https://www.unce.unr.edu/programs/sites/radon/mitigation/

Noise Induced Hearing Loss Prevention

What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?

  Noise induced hearing loss is just as it sounds; it is when the overexposure to loud noises causes damage to the ear.  This in turn causes the individual to lose their ability to hear.  The hearing loss can come from either a short loud burst of noise, or a softer noise heard over a long period of time.  Both of these cases are equally as damaging to the ear.  The hearing loss is caused due to damage of the hair cells in the inner ear.  These hair cells are used to transmit sound as waves for the brain to interpret as sound.  If these cells are being overused, they can slowly die.  Sometimes they can be repaired over time, but more commonly once the hair cells die they can't be remade.  If these transmitting hair cells are dead, they can't send the signal to the brain, which is how the individual loses hearing.  After the damage is done, there is no way to reverse or cure the hearing loss.  Although it cannot be reversed, there are many ways that noise induced hearing loss can be prevented from happening in the first place.  It's your job to take care of the health of your ears and body.

How can I prevent it?

  The most common way to prevent noise induced hearing loss is to avoid or limit the exposure to the source of the sound.  The best way to keep your ears from being damaged is to not even come in contact with loud noises for more time than necessary.  If you have the urge to cover your ears due to a loud noise, it's likely that damage is being done.  If avoiding the source is not an option, then the next best option is to use ear protection.  Two main sources of ear protection are earmuffs and earplugs.  Earmuffs fit around the ear creating a seal to block out the surrounding noise.  This type of protection has a noise reduction rating of anywhere from 22-32 dB.  This means that the earmuffs will reduce 22-32 dB of noise exposure to the ear.  The earplugs are small, usually foam, pieces that fit into the outer ear canal, which prevents noise from entering the ear.  Earplugs can have a noise reduction rating from 20-30dB. Although both of these ear protection options are beneficial when used separately, the ultimate way to reduce exposure is to have earmuffs and earplugs.  The combination of the two will reduce the sound by an additional 10-15dB.  Overall, it's important for people to be aware of their surroundings and take precautionary measures to prevent damage to their body, such as hearing loss.  It's up to you to stay informed and to keep your body running at it's fullest potential.  

Sources:

  Cooper Safety Supply

     http://www.coopersafety.com/noisereduction.aspx

  National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders 

     http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/noise.aspx

  American Hearing Research Foundation

     http://american-hearing.org/disorders/noise-induced-hearing-loss/

Occupational Skin Disease

What is occupational skin disease?

   Occupation skin disease is one of the leading occupational injuries. Over 31 million workers in the United States are being exposed to chemicals that have the ability to absorb through the skin into the body.  The toxins that these individuals are being exposed to have a harmful affect on the skin and health of that worker.  These diseases can be caused from a variety of different sources, including sunlight, heat, cold, moisture, radiation, acids, bases, soaps, oils, water, and many more.
   Occupational skin diseases include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and skin cancer.  These are all diseases that are caused by exposure in a work setting.  Irritant contact dermatitis is when an individual is exposed to a weak irritant over a long period of time and develops a reaction.  This type of contact dermatitis can be caused by over exposure to soap or even water.  Allergic contact dermatitis comes from a short exposure to substances that affect the immune system when absorbed into the skin.  These substances, like poison ivy, cause redness, blistering, and swelling.  Skin cancer can result from exposure to ultraviolet light, inorganic metals, and radiation.  Tumors and lesions can also develop due to cancer.  Skin cancer is something that shows up decades after the exposure, so it is difficult to know at the time how the exposure will affect the worker.  All of these diseases can be prevented in the work place with the right knowledge and protection.

How to prevent skin diseases?

   There are many different ways to prevent the diseases listed above.  The best way to prevent these diseases is to be informed and know what you're being exposed to in the work place.  That way, you can better protect yourself from the health risks.  The best way to prevent disease is to avoid those substances that cause irritation, but in some cases that is not an option.  Initially, it is important to ask a supervisor the potential exposures at that job site.  The earlier you know the risks, the more chance you have in preventing the diseases. The supervisor should provide their workers with proper handling for any hazardous material in the area, if they don't, then ask.  This is a great resource to follow to best prevent infection.  Other common ways to prevent skin diseases are properly wearing gloves, limiting exposure, and washing hands with mild soaps.  Wearing proper gloves will prevent the solutions from coming in direct contact with the skin.  Limiting exposure to the source will also limit the affects that it has on the worker's body.  Making sure that the workers wash their hands with mild soap to remove any possible irritants.  Removing the solutions from the skin before they absorb will prevent damage and spread of the solution to other areas of the body.  Overall, these guidelines for preventing occupational skin disease are ways to limit the damage of the work place exposures.  

Sources:

  Workplace Safety and Prevention Services 

     http://www.wsps.ca/WSPS/media/Site/Resources/Downloads/WSPS_Dermatitis_Prevention.pdf?ext=.pdf

  Occupational Health and Safety

     http://ohsonline.com/Articles/2009/04/01/Preventing-Occupational-Skin-Diseases.aspx?Page=1

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

     http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/