One of the largest categories of Environmental Permits filed for each year falls under the Clean Air Act. The federal government demands that small companies and large corporations are knowledgeable of the restrictions on air pollution and responsible for any emissions.
One of the largest categories of Environmental Permits filed for each year falls under the Clean Air Act. The federal government demands that small companies and large corporations are knowledgeable of the restrictions on air pollution and responsible for any emissions.
The Clean Air Act of 1990 is the most recent version of a law that initially passed in 1970 to address air pollution. A storm in 1948 over an industrial town in Pennsylvania lasted for 5 days, killed 20 people and infected 6,000 in a town with a population of 14,000. The emissions into the air had created an acid rain which had disastrous effects. This event is said to have been a catalyst in the pressing need to determine what was causing the devastation and how to prevent the event form occurring in the future.
The EPA has set limits on certain air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The limits are to ensure basic environmental and health protection from pollutants that might be emitted from sources such as mills, refineries, chemical plants, and utility companies. Individual areas are allowed to increase laws, but may not set lower pollution limits than set initially by the EPA. In addition, the EPA must approve plans by local agencies and state governments for furthering the reduction of air pollution. As a benefit, the EPA can share research, studies, funding, and engineering for further supporting clean air in the United States of America.
All of this regulation is set forth to reduce any concentrations of air pollutions which might then lead to haze, smog, acid rain, and other issues. Some toxic pollutants are suspected of causing cancer and other serious health related issues. The Clean Air Act continues to phase out the use of chemicals that lead to the destruction of the stratospheric ozone.
Operating Permits issued by the Clean Air Act will clarify and document what pollutants are released into the air, the quantity of what is released, and what steps the emitter is taking to reduce the pollution emitted. Any permit would also have a requirement for plans to measure and report the amount of air pollutants being emitted.
Contact a Certified Industrial Hygienist in your area by clicking here. This professional will help with the process of applying for the right permits and keeping your company up to date with requirements as they continue to be issued. The additional powers of the 1990 revision enhanced the ability of the EPA to enforce the rules and regulations passed, while also increasing the penalties for even minor violations.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
