NIOSH seeks input on protecting workers from wildfire smoke

Posted April 12, 2024

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) seeks stakeholder input on protecting outdoor workers from wildfire smoke. The agency intends to develop a hazard review document that summarizes the scientific literature about the health effects of exposure to wildfire smoke and provides recommendations to protect outdoor workers. Any recommendations NIOSH receives will add to its current guidance.

Specifically, NIOSH requests input on:

• Properties and characteristics of wildfire smoke mixtures,
• Potential for occupational exposures to outdoor workers,
• Health effects of exposures,
• Outdoor worker populations at risk,
• Exposure monitoring,
• Risk management and control, and
• Research needs.

To submit comments, search for CDC-2024-0019 at regulations.gov. The comment period ends May 13.

This article was written by Rachel Krubsack of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.