People interact with chemicals in a variety of ways every day – chemical compounds are found in foods, cosmetics, soaps and detergents, and many other common household products. Many of these are harmless, but there can be hazardous chemicals such as benzene lurking in a number of places. Benzene can have devastating health effects, and […]
Today there are laws and strict guidelines regarding exposure to toxic chemicals on the job, with many safeguards in place. But in the late 1960s, many workers were unaware of the hazards, and the same level of care was not taken to protect them. Sadly, even today workers continue to be exposed to dangerous substances, […]
There are six different types of asbestos, each of which has been found to cause mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer infecting the lining of the lungs, heart, and chest cavity. A recent study in Germany examined the effects of differing asbestos exposure and how mesothelioma develops in the body. Researchers found that, despite the […]
Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Traditionally, victims of mesothelioma included men in high-risk occupations, including construction, naval work, and other industrial positions, as well as many roles in the U.S. military. Recent data shows that the gender gap is closing, however, with more women being diagnosed with this disease. […]
An historic Lancaster, Pennsylvania building is undergoing major renovations. The former Bulova Building, located at 101 North Queen Street, will be transformed into a mixed-use retail, residential, and office space. The building will reopen in early 2019, and with some help from the city of Lancaster, the space will be free of the harmful carcinogen […]
Residents of Chester, Pennsylvania have been the victims of pollution-related health risks for decades. Chester is home to numerous hazardous and municipal waste treatment sites, which generate air pollution and can contaminate soil and groundwater. Now members of the community are taking matters into their own hands, starting environmental watchdog groups and holding meetings to […]
A revolutionary new type of cancer treatment will soon be available in South Jersey. A $35 million state-of-the-art proton facility, which will debut in 2020, will be built on the campus of Virtua’s acute care hospital at Virtua Voorhees. Penn Medicine is building the facility in partnership with Virtua. The new proton therapy center – […]
Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma contract the disease after exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Workers in industries such as construction are known to have a higher than normal risk of asbestos exposure, but the danger may also be lurking in some unexpected places. A recent study in Italy revealed that dental technicians […]
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes safety standards to protect workers from hazards on the job. While these standards are important to attempt to decrease workplace injuries or illnesses, implementing them can sometimes be difficult for companies. The regulations may be expensive or impractical to put in place, or companies may have […]
The Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) at Penn Medicine recently named Dr. Robert Vonderheide as its next director. He succeeded Dr. Chi Van Dang, who held the position since 2011. Vonderheide is internationally recognized for his work in cancer immunotherapy and translational research. He joined the ACC in 2001 after receiving a Ph.D. in immunology and […]
