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Warning: Contrast Dye Used In MRI Test Can Be Dangerous

Brent Adams — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:34:12 GMT

Magnetic Resonance Imaging tests, MRIs and Magnetic Resonance Angiography, and MRAs are commonly used by physicians to study and diagnose numerous conditions of the body.

Contrast material commonly used for these tests help the physician get a clear and detailed picture of the patient’s internal organs, tissues, bones and vessels. The contrast material, are commonly known as dye, is injected into the blood stream.

In recent years, the contrast agent of choice for most doctors contains a metal known as Gadolinium. This substance is a metal. It is extremely harmful to the body. Because of the adverse effect this metal has on the body, the Gadolinium is coated with chelating agents to coat the metal and thereby protect the body from the dangerous effects of the metal.

Some of the manufacturers of the Gadolinium containing contrast agents have used inferior chelating agents. The effect of these inferior chelating agents is to expose the body to the harmful metal Gadolinium.

In order to rid the body of the contrast material after an MRI or MRA, the contrast material containing Gadolinium is transferred to the kidneys before it is urinated out of the body. Gadolinium is especially harmful to the patients with kidney insufficiency.

Unfortunately, Gadolinium is also used to make CD discs, computer memory, and television tubes.

Unfortunately, Gadolinium exposure causes a rare and debilitating and potentially fatal disease known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). This disease causes a thickening of the skin, connective tissues, muscles and internal organs throughout the body. The disease causes the body to harden from the outside in.

Symptoms from NSF include swelling, tightening, or thickening of the skin, colored patches, bumps or blisters; burning, itching or severe sharp pain in the effected areas, changes of skin texture; difficulty extending arms or legs, muscle weakness, deep bone pain in the hips or ribs and swelling of the hands and feet.

The United States Food and Drug Administration began issuing health advisory warnings concerning Gadolinium dyes as early as June of 2006.

On May 23, 2007, the FDA ordered that a black box warning be added to all Gadolinium-based contrast agent labels concerning the life-threatening risk associated with the use of contrast dyes containing Gadolinium.

The warning states that patients with severe kidney insufficiency who received Gadolinium-based agents are at risk for developing debilitating, a potentially fatal disease known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF).

The required warning includes advice to “avoid the use of GBCA’s (Contrast agents containing Gadolinium) unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Although the FDA requires the warning, this use of Gadolinium containing contrast agents is still allowed and is frequently used.

If you or someone you know has developed Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or symptoms after having an MRI or an MRA contact lawyer who handles cases to see if you have a claim.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brent Adams

J&B Group Recalls Over 2,500 Pounds of Beef Sirloin

Mike Bryant — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:21:10 GMT

This past week, the United States Department of Agriculture and J&B Group, Inc., of St. Michael, Minn., recalled over 2,500 pounds of beef sirloin products due to products being misbranded and contain an undeclared allergen. The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not noted on the label.

E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness, often with bloody stools. There are cases of this illness that have become fatal. So seek immediate medical attention.

The products subject to recall are:

10.5-lb cases of 28 count, 6 oz. "ELLISON MEAT COMPANY BEEF SIRLOIN TOP BUTT STEAK, CAP OFF, NO ROLL, MARINATED," with an identifying case code of "62149."
10-lb cases of 16 count, 10 oz. "ELLISON MEAT COMPANY BEEF SIRLOIN TOP BUTT STEAK CAP OFF / TENDERIZED WITH FICIN & BROMELAIN," with an identifying case code of "62151."

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST. 15805" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were produced between Jan. 1, 2011, and Sept. 7, 2011, and were distributed for institutional use in Mont., N.D. and Texas. It should be noted that consumers may not have access to the above labeling information.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company's Vice President of Supply Chain, Russ Sjoquist, at 763-497-3913.

If you suffer from food poisoning, you need to get immediate medical care. If it continues or there are long term affects, you should contact an attorney concerning the problem. Early investigation can include the collection of samples, checking for health alerts, and the proper notifying of those who caused the problem.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant

Nicotine Super-Charged Smokeless Tobacco is Super-Addictive and Carcinogenic – Not a Healthy Alternative to Smoking

Mike Ferrara — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:37:51 GMT

Camel Snus, a Swedish smokeless tobacco product with a fresh new look, promises to be a hit on the American market, particularly with young people.

The IKEA of chewing tobacco, Camel Snus comes in single-serving pouches available in three different flavors (original, frost, and spice) and sold in hip little tins. The pouch design allows the freedom of a spit-free chew, which according to marketing brochures, can be enjoyed “at a concert, right in front of security guards,” “on a jet from Miami to L.A.,” or at an “overpriced tapas restaurant,” where smoking is prohibited.

Camel Snus has been marketed as being less harmful than traditional chewing tobacco (which is fermented, whereas Camel Snus is pasteurized) or cigarette smoking, since it poses comparatively fewer risks of diseases like lung cancer. Smokers who hope to quit the habit are encouraged to try Camel Snus as a way to stop smoking cigarettes and still get a nicotine fix.

What Camel Snus marketing does not tell you is that each single-serving pouch contains a whopping 8 milligrams of nicotine—about 8 times what a smoker gets from smoking a cigarette. While it may help some smokers cut down on the physical act of smoking, researchers say that it’s so addictive that a single tin will get new chewers hooked.

Moreover, Camel Snus is not a healthy tobacco alternative to smoking. Recent studies of Snus have tied heavy use to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. In 1992, the EU went so far as to ban sales of an earlier Snus formulation after a World Health Organization study reported that it was cancer-causing.

If you’re a tobacco user already, it’s better to quit altogether than get involved with Camel Snus. If you’re not, don’t start on this stuff if you don’t want to deal with a lifetime of addiction.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara

Benzene Leukemia Lawsuit Filed Over Hazardous Workplace

Shezad Malik MD JD — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:27:00 GMT

A Texas plaintiff has filed a toxic tort lawsuit against Chevron, DuPont, Exxon and other chemical companies, alleging that he developed leukemia from benzene exposure.

The benzene lawsuit was filed by Norvel Dorsey in January, in Jefferson County District Court in Texas. Dorsey named DuPont De Nemours, Chevron U.S.A., Exxon Mobil Corp. and some of its subsidiaries, Foster Wheeler Energy Corp., Gulf Oil Corp., Texaco, U.S. Steel and 4520 Corp. as defendants.

According to Dorsey, who worked as a pipefitter for various companies from 1960 until 1986, he was exposed to benzene in the workplace and through products made by the defendants. The lawsuit claims that benzene exposure led to the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The lawsuit accuses the companies of negligence, and claims that they knew their products and workplaces were hazardous to workers’ health. Dorsey claims that he suffered physical impairment, disability, and will require medical monitoring for the rest of his life.

Benzene is an industrial chemical that is used as a solvent in the production of drugs, synthetics and dyes. It has also been used as a gasoline additive, although limits have been placed on its use in fuel due to benzene’s dangerous health effects.

Exposure to benzene has been associated with the development of several fatal forms of cancer, leukemia and other conditions, such as Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDL), Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia, Aplastic Anemia and Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Shezad Malik MD JD

Could Eating Your (Canned) Vegetables Be Bad For You?

Brett Emison — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:42:00 GMT

According to popular site, WebMD, a new study shows that eating canned vegetables could expose you to chemical compound, bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA.

According to bisphenol-a.org, BPA is a chemical building block that is used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. This plastic is used in wide variety of common products, including digital medial (CDs, DVDs, etc.), electronic equipment, automobiles, sports equipment and reusable food and drink containers. Producers of BPA claim the chemical poses no health risk to people, but independent studies disagree.

From the WebMD report:

Bisphenol A, also known in BPA, is widely used in plastics and as a lining for cans holding everything from soup to fruit to sardines. It has come under intense scrutiny in recent years because in addition to preserving food, it also mimics human hormones and has been classified as an endocrine disruptor.

Five states and several municipalities have restricted the use of BPA in baby products and infant formula cans because of concerns that exposure may be dangerous for young children. Tuesday's study, though small, suggests the chemical may be widely consumed by children and adults in everyday groceries.

A study conducted by a coalition of consumer and food safety groups found detectable levels of BPA in 46 of 50 grocery store cans tested. The results suggest BPA routinelyleaches from can linings into food.

BPA has been associated with a variety of health problems in laboratory animals, including cancers, early puberty, and developmental problems.

The highest BPA level detected was 1,140 parts per billion, found in a can of Del Monte French Style Green Beans obtained from the pantry of a study participant in Wisconsin.

"We should not set a place for bisphenol A at the dinner table," Elizabeth Hitchcock, a public health advocate for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, said at a news conference on Capitol Hill.

USA Today warned that pregnant women should limit their intake of canned foods and drinks after the new study found 92% of cans were contaminated with the estrogen-like, BPA:

Pregnant women should limit their intake of canned foods and drinks, according to a report that finds 92% of food from metal cans is contaminated with an estrogen-like chemical called BPA, or bisphenol A.
The chemical is used in countless products, from plastic bottles and paper receipts to the linings of metal cans. The National Toxicology Program has said it has "some concern" that BPA alters development of the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in children, before and after birth.

Researchers found that BPA levels vary dramatically even between cans of the same product, according to the study, released Tuesday by the National Workgroup for Safe Markets, a coalition of 19 environmental groups. For example, one can of Del Monte French Style Green Beans had 36 micrograms of BPA per serving, while another can of the same product had 138 micrograms per serving — a level that has been linked to changes in prostate cells and increased aggression in animals.

The report calls on Congress to ban BPA in food and drink containers, noting that companies such as Eden Foods already sell vegetables in BPA-free cans; Muir Glenn also plans to begin packaging tomatoes in BPA-free cans this year. Canada and Denmark restrict the use of BPA in certain children's products, as do five U.S. states, three counties in New York and the city of Chicago, the report says.

Health and safety advocates are supporting efforts to ban the use of BPA. Such a ban could be considered within weeks when the Senate considers broad food safety legislation.

What do you think? Will you limit your use of canned fruits and vegetables after this report? Should this chemical be used in our food containers?

Learn more about health and safety issues at our safety blog and become a fan of Langdon & Emison on Facebook.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

New Georgia Peanut Butter Lawsuit Filed Due To Salmonella Contamination

Jessica Smagacz — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:33:13 GMT

This past Tuesday, a lawsuit was filed against the Peanut Corporation of America in the U.S. District Court in Georgia.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a family from Vermont. This Vermont family is alleging their seven year-old boy became sick after eating Keebler Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich crackers. The seven year-old spent six days in the hospital for nausea, diarrhea, cramps and blood in his stool. His stool tested positive for salmonella. He contracted the salmonella sickness on November 25, 2008.

Keebler Crackers are made by the Kellogg Company. And salmonella has been confirmed in Kellogg’s Crackers. See our past post: Salmonella confirmed in Kellogg’s Crackers.

This all comes after Minnesota health officials found salmonella bacteria in a five pound tub under the label of King Nut, manufactured by the Peanut Corporation of America several weeks ago. It was confirmed soon after that the contamination came from the Peanut Corporation of America’s Georgia facility.

For a list of products recalled because of the peanut butter or peanut paste that came from the Peanut Corporation of America, see this post.

Because salmonella bacteria was confirmed at the Peanut Corporation of America’s Georgia plant, it is important you are aware and are cautious of the products being recalled. Food injury of this type is not to be taken lightly as evidenced in the above case.

Symptoms of salmonella include Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. If you or someone close to you has salmonella poisoning, you may want to contact the attorneys at Childers & Schlueter, LLP to see how they can help protect your legal rights.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

Bed Bugs Have Plagued Honolulu Hotels - The EPA Holds A Bed Bug Summit

Wayne Parsons — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:22:39 GMT

Hawaii has had a history of bed bugs in hotel rooms. What is a bed bug? The only one currently known to be in Hawaii is Cimex lectularius, aka the common bedbug. The wingless, flat, oval-shaped insects are about 3/8 inch in size, big enough to be spotted crawling around your sheets.

Although visitors to Hawaii have not been aware of this problem, the hotel industry here certainly has been on notice and it is not just low price hotels. The problem is that rather than deal openly with the problem, guests are usually not warned about the problem and thus are not given an opportunity to avoid both the bed bugs and the pesticides that the hotel operator may use to fight the pests. Secrecy about an issue like this only aggravates a bad situation.

Now the EPA is addressing the problem on a national level. Take a look at "EPA Holds Bed Bug Summit". The Honolulu Advertiser reported recently on the EPA summit: "EPA looks for ways to not let the bedbugs bite ... ". The Advertiser reports a large attendance in Arlington, VA at the conference:

Faced with rising numbers of complaints to city information lines and increasingly frustrated landlords, hotel chains and housing authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency hosted its first-ever bedbug summit Tuesday.

Put on by an EPA’s federal advisory committee, the two-day conference which drew about 300 participants to the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va., will provide the agency with advise and recommendations.

In an article in Pacific Business news by Journalist Chad Blair on July 18, 2008, "Hotels try not to let the bedbugs bite ... " the problem was put in context:

Bedbugs don't discriminate between budget and luxury hotels.

"It is in search of blood, whether it's at a five-star or a one-star hotel," said Tim Lyons, executive director of the Hawaii Pest Control Association. "That is what they have to do to survive."

Bedbugs, nocturnal wingless insects with a knack for concealment, are making a comeback in hotels across the country, including Hawaii.

Local pest control experts say that, for many hotels, they are the No. 1 insect challenge.

They can enter a guest room in luggage or on clothing and hide in mattresses, carpets, behind wallpaper, between the wooden crevices of furniture, or behind a headboard.

The pest control industry is limited in what they can do to stop these pesky pests:

"With that particular subject it is more sensational than anything else," said Cliff Nakamura, Hawaii branch manager for Orkin Residential & Commercial Service. "It is probably the hot topic today."

The reasons for the return of bedbugs include the huge increase in international travel (bedbugs don't discriminate between luggage and airlines, either) and the use of milder pesticides.

"Fifty years ago, bedbugs were virtually eliminated through DDT and other chemicals," said Nakamura. "But as EPA has limited the use of those, bedbugs have started to come back."

The problem is widespread:

"You'll find them on the 40th floor of condos," said Lyons, whose association represents most pest control operators in the state. "You can clean everyday and still wind up getting them."

Lyons said his members have seen an increase of up to 70 percent in bedbug complaints, and it's not confined to hotels.

"We're getting reports from schools and kids who find them in their backpacks," he said.

The state Department of Health said the number of callers complaining about bedbugs, mostly in residences, doubled from 2006 to 2007.

Chad Blair contacted Hawaii hotels about bed bugs and only one was willing to talk about the problem:

A half-dozen hotel chains and properties in Hawaii contacted by PBN declined to be interviewed for this article. One of the two that did respond was the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki.

"We feel that all pest complaints by our guests have the potential to be costly," said Gary Nushida, executive housekeeper for the Hawaii Prince. "If we are able to move our guest ... this usually minimizes the costs. However, a complaint such as bedbugs, if confirmed, will result in the hotel treating not only that room but the surrounding rooms."

Nushida said housekeepers regularly remove any opportunity for pests to forage on food left in guest rooms, and immediately report any evidence of pests.

In North Carolina they are looking into passing a law called the "Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite Act":

“It was clear something needed to be done,” said Saul Hernandez, Butterfield’s legislative assistant. One of the problems, according to researchers and the pesticide industry, is that there are few chemicals on the market approved for use on mattresses that are effective at reducing bedbug numbers. The appleseed-sized critters have also developed a resistance to some of the chemicals on the market.The EPA, out of concern for the environment and the effects on public health, has pulled many of the chemicals that were most effective in eradicating the bugs from the U.S. over the last 50 years — such as DDT — off of shelves.

Hawaii is particularly susceptible to this problem and we should be open about it so travelers aren't surprised by bites. Hotels must accept the fact that - like big surf - their guests need to be warned.

So, what do you do to protect yourself and your family when you travel? Here are tips from Victoria Fickle, an entomologist with the State of Hawaii Department of Health's Vector Control Branch who was interviewed on Kokua Line by June Watanabe in 2008:

» Check your hotel for signs of the bugs. Remove the sheets and inspect the mattress (especially the seams and ticking) to look for any bugs or tiny blood spots.

"This is the most likely place you will find the bed bugs, though they could be anywhere, including the box spring, in the furniture (dressers, bed frame/headboard, etc.), and behind picture frames," Fickle said. If possible, she said you also can try pulling the bed away from the wall and checking that area.

Even if you don't see any evidence of the bugs on your bed or bedding, that doesn't mean they're not around, she said. Bites might take a while to itch and some people might not react to bites at all.

So, Fickle also advised:

» Don't keep your suitcase near the hotel bed.

» Don't use any of the furniture to store your clothes.

» Keep your suitcase zipped up.

» When you get ready to leave the hotel, place all your belongings in a plastic bag and make sure it is sealed.

» When you get home, immediately wash all your clothes and dry them at the highest temperature possible. For delicate items where washing is not possible, put them in a zip-top bag and place them in the freezer for several nights.

» Vacuum your suitcase, paying very close attention to seams and corners.

"Also, learn the signs of a bedbug infestation, so if you DO bring these guys home with you, you can recognize it and take action right away," Fickle said.

Be prepared.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Don't Let the Dangers of the Gym Prevent You From Accomplishing Your New Year's Resolution

David Mittleman — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:25:28 GMT

This is the time of the year when everyone starts a New Year's resolution, and sticks to it--at least for a while. Many people make resolutions to lose weight or exercise more, and that usually means joining a gym when you're talking about winter in Michigan. However, what many people don't realize is that gyms can be a health hazard, rather than a health promoter. For example, bacteria in poorly maintained pools or staph infections on dirty gym equipment can lead to some nasty infections. In addition, you could be injured while using exercise machinery if you don't know what you're doing. Finally, you could suffer an exercise-related heart problem if you don't visit your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen--especially if you are really out of shape. Read below for more of the top health hazards that your local gym could present:

Skin infections: staph infections can start out relatively harmless. In fact, most staph infections look like a bad pimple on your body. However, they can swell, become larger, and eventually develop pus. Even worse, the infection can travel into your blood stream if it isn't taken care of in due time. MRSA bacteria like to live on shared gym equipment, towels, and mats. Infections tend to occur near preexisting scrapes on the body, or in moist areas like the buttocks, armpits, groin, and neck. Staph infections can clear up on their own, but you should seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever or if the area becomes red, tender, or hot to the touch. You can prevent staph infections by using the disinfect sprays or wipes that most gyms provide before and after using gym equipment. Don't share your gym equipment with others, and always take a shower immediately after working out.
Dirty pools: unfortunately, poorly maintained pools are common and bacteria that grow in pools can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. To prevent yourself from getting ill, shower before entering the pool and always wash your hands after using the restroom (or changing a baby's diaper) to protect others. In addition, don't use the pool water if it has a strong chemical smell or if the water looks cloudy.

Strained muscles: sure, everyone wants to look like they know what they're doing when they hit the weights (guys, that means you) but weight lifting injuries have increased by 50% since 1990, especially in individuals over 45. To prevent injury, try warming up with gentle jogging or easy lifts. Moreover, only use weights light enough that you can do 15 steady repetitions without straining yourself. Do the lifts slowly (taking about 2 seconds to lift and 4 to lower) and make sure that you are able to stop the weight at any point during the repetition. Don't hold your breath; doing so could spike your blood pressure and cause fainting.
Heart attacks: true, exercise builds your immunity to heart disease. However, if you're already in bad shape, you can actually increase your risk of having a heart attack--especially if you're working out too strenuously. Always talk to your doctor before starting a workout, especially if you are middle-aged or older, sedentary, and at risk of heart disease. If you have the cold or flu, also consider scaling back your workouts or stopping until you get better. A 2009 study found that a recent episode of fatigue or the flu can increase the risk of heart attack.
Eye injuries: believe it or not, Americans suffer 40,000 eye injuries each year and a large number are caused by flying sports equipment. For example, racquetball, squash, and tennis are leading causes of sports-related injuries among people 25 to 65. To protect your eyes while playing high-risk sports, wear protective eyegear with impact-resistant lenses. If you already wear glasses, you should purchase a separate pair for use during high-risk sports.

Now that you know the risks of going to the gym, don't let these factors stop you from accomplishing your New Year's resolution. With the right prevention, you can protect yourself from needless infections and injuries while still reaping the benefits of exercising and getting in better health!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

NYC to Remove Hazardous PCB Lighting Fixtures from 772 Schools

Paul Napoli — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 01:56:49 GMT

February 23, 2011

New York City has agreed to remove fluorescent lighting fixtures in 772 schools because testing shows many are leaking toxic chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs.

After months of pressure by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concerned parents and lawmakers, New York City has set aside more than $700 million dollars to remove old lighting fixtures that are leaking PCB. However, critics say the City is not working fast enough with a ten-year removal plan, reports The New York Times.

Polychlorinated biphenyls are a family of man-made chemicals used widely in manufacturing from 1929 until banned by the government in 1979. Manufacturers used PCBs in many applications, including electronics, lubricants, cable insulation, thermal insulation, adhesives, oil-bases paints, caulking, carbonless copy paper and fluorescent light ballasts.

The EPA has conducted PCB testing of lighting fixtures at the City’s schools, finding that every school tested had leaking ballasts that could be polluting the air with PCBs.

“Today's announcement by the City that it is moving forward with a comprehensive plan to remediate PCB contaminated light ballasts is a critical step forward,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “However, the City's time frame of 10 years to replace the light ballasts is unacceptable. Continued exposure to toxic PCBs will continue to place our children, teachers and school staff at risk. We cannot ignore the urgency of this very real and growing public health problem, and the City must act quickly to remove these dangerous chemicals from our schools.”

Although the government banned the use PCBs in 1979, people still suffer exposure to these chemicals by breathing PCB contaminated air, drinking PCB contaminated water or by using appliances and electrical devices such as fluorescent lighting fixtures made 30 or more years ago that can leak PCBs.

PCBs can cause cancer and other PCB adverse health effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system and endocrine system. A study entitled Serum Concentrations of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Relation to in Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Outcomes in this month’s issue of Environmental Health Perspectives from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that PCB exposure is associated with implantation failure of fertilized embryos after in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

“This is a progressive plan to increase energy efficiency at our schools and simultaneously address the issue of PCBs in old light fixtures,” Schools Chancellor Cathleen P. Black said in a statement. “Given that both the EPA and the Department of Health have said there is no immediate health threat to students in these buildings, we believe this is the most responsible way to proceed. This plan can be accomplished without any significant interruption to student learning, and it will generate significant energy savings in the long run.”

While the City assures the public that children and school employees are in no danger, the EPA says these steps should be taken where any fluorescent lighting ballast is leaking:

Relocation of students and teachers from the affected area into temporary quarters during cleanup and decontamination which may disrupt school programs and functions;
Hiring properly trained and qualified cleanup personnel;
Cleanup and decontamination of contaminated equipment and surfaces;
Analytical testing of contaminated equipment and surfaces for PCBs;
Compliance with environmental regulations for proper storage and disposal of contaminated equipment and cleanup materials;
Retesting of equipment and surfaces to ensure that they are free of PCBs and other contaminants; and
Replacement of leaking or burned fixtures and any other contaminated materials.

“Postponing a lighting retrofit and betting on the structural integrity of old ballasts may result in health and educational impacts for your students and staff and serious cost impacts for your budget,” the EPA website says.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Designer Drug "Bath Salts" Poses Deadly Threat

Pierce Egerton — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 16:57:00 GMT

Sellers call it pretty names like Vanilla Sky, Blue Silk, Ivory Wave, and Bliss. The proper name for this designer drug, known most commonly as “bath salts,” would be poison – really, really bad poison. Fortunately, on June 1, North Carolina became one of at least 28 states that ban the incredibly deadly drugs.

^{Image: N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs}

Bath salts are a man-made stimulant in a crystal or powder form that looks like bath powder. They can be smoked, snorted or injected. Their extremely violent and psychotic effect is hard to believe.

Some examples of actions of people high on these drugs:

A man in Mississippi stole a gun from a sheriff’s deputy and shot another deputy to death. He told officers that he had seen the devil and then broke through gurney straps when they tried to put him in an ambulance.
A boy in a suburb of New Orleans cut his throat in front of his family and then shot himself.
Near Seattle, a man killed his wife and then himself during a high-speed chase. Both were high on bath salts. Their five-year-old son was found dead at their home.
News reports relate plenty of other horrific acts caused by the use of this drug. Its physical effects on the users are devastating as well.
A police officer in Oklahoma responding to a report of a mass drug overdose found her son writhing on a front lawn and foaming at the mouth.
In Minnesota, 11 young people at taking the drug at a party were hospitalized; one died.
A man in Panama City, Fla., had his temperature go up to 107.5 degrees. “You could fry an egg on his forehead,” the emergency room doctor said.

“Some of these folks aren’t right for a long time,” said Karen E. Simone, director of the Northern New England Poison Center. “If you gave me a list of drugs that I wouldn’t want to touch, this would be at the top.”

Poison control centers have received more than 6,600 call about synthetic drugs this year. They are suspected in more than 20 deaths across the country. Even tiny amounts can result in an overdose.

Designer drugs are still available in many states, and on the Internet. One website selling the substance was visited 8,156 times during June.

Parents need to be aware of this deadly health threat, and the temptation it may pose. Don’t be afraid to have the conversation with your teenager. It’s better for them to get the true information from you, than a come-on from some website pushing “Bliss.”

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton