Health & Safety Hazards

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an outbreak of disease originating in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, caused by a novel coronavirus.

See information on personal protective equipment for potential exposures to Ebola virus disease (EVD).

Following are a few resources regarding volcanic eruptions. You can also search other resources for more information, including your local health departments.

See information on personal protective equipment for potential exposures to Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever).

Tornadoes and earthquakes present both common hazards. Both can present logistical challenges affecting initial response and recovery. Click here for tornado and earthquake emergency and response preparedness resources from 3M, NIOSH, OSHA and the CDC.

Manganese Occupational Exposure Limits: There have been recent changes by ACGIH to manganese occupational exposure limits (OEL) which may have an effect on various industries and industrial processes.

Following potential exposure to coronaviruses such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Excessive exposure to heat can seriously impact worker health, safety and productivity. Accurate measurement of environmental conditions along with use of PPE that can minimize or reduce worker heat load can help reduce the risk of heat strain.

Individuals participating in oil spill related activities face a range of work-related hazards. The need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for clean-up and remediation activities is essential.

According to the World Health Organization, particulate matter affects more people than any other component of air pollution. Inhalation of these types of particles can cause a variety of possible effects ranging from irritation, infection and discomfort to exacerbation of asthma.

3M has received a number of inquiries regarding the appropriate respirator recommendations for potential exposures to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (previously referred to as a novel coronavirus (nCoV)).

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is an illness caused by hantavirus. Hantaviruses, found in rodents, can cause severe illness.

Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the aftermath of a wildfire is a critical component in the safe cleanup of fire debris.

On March 25, 2016, OSHA issued two new final rules in the Federal Register, 81 Fed. Reg. 16285-16890 (2016) regulating exposure to respirable crystalline silica: one for general industry and maritime and the other for the construction industry. This regulation update discusses the final rule for general industry and maritime.

On January 9, 2017, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a final rule for Beryllium and beryllium compounds. According to OSHA, the evidence in the record for this rule-making indicates that workers exposed to beryllium are at increased risk of developing chronic beryllium disease and lung cancer.