The Ongoing Challenges One Year After the U.S. Asbestos Ban In March 2024, the United States took a historic step by banning the last remaining uses of chrysotile asbestos—the most commonly used form of the mineral worldwide. It was a big win for public health, but it didn’t mean the asbestos problem was over. A […]
IARC Says Talc is Probably Carcinogenic
IARC Says Talc is Probably Carcinogenic The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer found that talc “probably” causes cancer. The reason being that the mineral used in many different products like cosmetics, talcum powders, children’s toys, and food can be contaminated with asbestos. The agency reports that there is “strong mechanistic evidence” […]
Asbestos Laws in Pennsylvania
Asbestos Laws in Pennsylvania Asbestos was once widely used in building materials for its durability and heat resistance. However, it’s now known to be extremely hazardous to human health. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. As a result, strict regulations exist at both the federal […]
Upgrading for Safety: $1.2M Project to Replace Asbestos-Infused Water Pipes in North Huntingdon
Upgrading for Safety: $1.2M Project to Replace Asbestos-Infused Water Pipes in North Huntingdon A $1.2 million infrastructure upgrade is underway in North Huntingdon to replace nearly a mile of aging waterline—some of which contains asbestos-infused cement pipes dating back to the early 1950s. Approved by the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC), the project aims […]
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month 2025
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month 2025 April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. The esophagus is the narrow tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. All fluids and nutrients must pass through the cylinder to reach the stomach to start the digestive process. In adults, the esophagus is around 11-13 inches long […]
Homer City Power Station Demolished
Homer City Power Station Demolished On March 22, 2025, the smokestacks and cooling towers of the Homer City Power Station in Indiana County came crashing down in a planned implosion. The demolition marked the physical end of the coal-fired power plant, which had ceased operations in 2023 due to economic pressures and shifting energy trends. […]
U-Haul Fined for Asbestos Exposure Violations
U-Haul Fined for Asbestos Exposure Violations U-Haul is facing a financial penalty after an investigation revealed that mechanics working at its facility were unknowingly exposed to hazardous asbestos-containing materials. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) conducted an in-depth inquiry and subsequently issued a $231,000 fine against the company, citing multiple violations related […]
National Cancer Prevention Month 2025
National Cancer Prevention Month 2025 February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Cancer prevention is the action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer. There are multiple ways to reduce the risk of getting cancer including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding cancer causing substances, and taking medicines or vaccines that prevent cancer from developing. The […]
Risks of Asbestos Exposure due to Los Angeles Wildfires
Risks of Asbestos Exposure due to Los Angeles Wildfires Thousands of people are under mandatory evacuation as wildfires rampage the Los Angeles area of Southern California. Other people are making the decision to leave their homes and businesses as the fires spread rapidly. A state of emergency was declared for the area. As the flames […]
Understanding the FDA’s Proposed Asbestos Testing Rule for Talc-Containing Products
Understanding the FDA’s Proposed Asbestos Testing Rule for Talc-Containing Products The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently proposed a new rule aimed at protecting consumers from potential asbestos contamination in talc-containing cosmetic products. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns over the risks associated with asbestos exposure and its link to various […]