Source reduction for prevention of methylene chloride hazards: cases from four industrial sectors

BACKGROUND: Source reduction, defined as chemical, equipment and process changes that intervene in an industrial process to eliminate or reduce hazards, has not figured as a front-line strategy for the protection of workers' health. Such initiatives are popular for environmental protection, but their feasibility and effectiveness as an industrial hygiene approach have not been well described. METHODS: We investigated four cases of source reduction as a hazard prevention strategy in Massachusetts companies that had used methylene chloride, an occupational carcinogen, for cleaning and adhesive thinning. Three cases were retrospective and one was prospective, where the researchers assisted with the source reduction process change. Data were collected using qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and site visits. RESULTS: Motivated by environmental restrictions, a new worker health standard, and opportunity for productivity improvements, three companies eliminated their use of methylene chloride by utilizing available technologies and drop-in substitutes. Aided by technical assistance from the investigators, a fourth case dramatically reduced its use of methylene chloride via process and chemistry changes. While the companies' evaluations of potential work environment impacts of substitutes were not extensive, and in two cases new potential hazards were introduced, the overall impact of the source reduction strategy was deemed beneficial, both from a worker health and a production standpoint. CONCLUSION: The findings from these four cases suggest that source reduction should be considered potentially feasible and effective for reducing or eliminating the potential hazards of methylene chloride exposure. Especially when faced with a hazard that is both an environmental and worker health concern, companies may chose to change their processes rather than rely on local exhaust ventilation equipment or personal protective equipment that might not be as effective, might transfer risk and/or not be integrated with financial goals. However, technical assistance sensitive to environmental and health and safety impacts as well as production issues should be provided to guide companies' source reduction efforts

Intra-Family Food Distribution: Review of the Literature and Policy Implications

Excerpts from the report Foreword: The present study responds to a growing demand for information on the extent to which individual members of households will be positively affected by the increases in food availability that can be brought about as a result of improved government policies and/or specific agricultural development programs and projects. Implicit in the design of most agricultural development projects, for example, is the assumption that increases in food production will benefit all farm household members equally. Such cannot be a foregone conclusion, however. Especially since it is also widely believed, for example, that differences in the distribution of food among household members accounts for the prevalence of malnutrition among women and children. This report reviews the literature on the subject of how food is distributed within households in developing countries. It begins with a brief review of some examples of the types of information which are available, on intra-family food distribution. This is followed by a general discussion of how food flows through a household and what factors influence its distribution at various stages. The report then reviews twelve dietary studies in detail and identifies several types of distribution patterns implied by these studies. The report concludes with a discussion of the policy and planning implications of intra-family food distribution and identifies needs for further research

Guide for fee-for-service medical groups on affiliation with health maintenance organizations /

"March 1983."Includes bibliographical references.Mode of access: Internet