M10.2: MSDS

I looked into an office keyboard cleaner which apparently is Butane and Propan-2-Ol.

·       What are the health risks associated with this chemical?

• May cause stomach pain and/or vomiting if inhaled or ingested.  May cause severe eye irritation or burning. Vapors may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

·       Is the chemical a carcinogen?

• Not that I see on the MSDS.

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

• Use protective gloves, goggles and suitable protective clothing.

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

• None.

M10.8: Occupationally-Related Disease

I looked into Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis, more commonly known as “Black Lung Disease”.  Pneumoconiosis is a general term used to describe any lung disease that is caused by the inhalation of dust or debris.  Coal workers commonly have been exposed to this for hundreds of years simply due to the nature of their work.  While severity can vary greatly due to levels of exposure and other factors, symptoms include cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, among many others.  This disease is specifically called “Black Lung Disease” because the inhaled coal often turns black the lungs of the workers breathing it in.  While numbers had been on the decline, and OSHA regulations relating to coal workers are very strong, there seems to be a resurgence in cases according to an August 2018 article. 

https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/workforce/74654

M7.8: Lit Review Topic

For my literature review, I focused on how the physical environment, be it a neighborhood, a city, or even being incarcerated, affects our health and our choices.  Focusing on prison inmates, what causes them to smuggle and do drugs, and take other high risk behaviors that they may or may not know could injure them or cause significant illnesses like hepatitis or HIV.  As far as prisons in the United States, we have the Federal Bureau of Prisons which is a law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice.  For my review, I also looked at prisons in Canada where the Correctional Services of Canada, which is a federal agency, oversees prisons.  I also looked into studies from Swedish prisons where The Swedish Prison and Probation Service is responsible for inmates and prisons.