Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Environmental health

Nov 29, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Environmental Protection Agency that implements revisions to the Guideline on Air Quality Models to include enhancements to the formulation and application of the near-field dispersion modeling system, AERMOD, and updates recommendations for developing appropriate background concentration for cumulative impact analyses. Discusses appropriate classification for rural and urban areas.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 29, 2024 - Notice from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) extending the comment period on the August 30, 2024, proposed rule until January 14, 2025. The rule establishes a heat standard for all indoor and outdoor work in workplaces where OSHA has jurisdiction. A virtual hearing is scheduled for June 16, 2025 to discuss the proposed rule.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 1, 2024 - Profiles an environmental health researcher studying Appalachian health disparities. Highlights her path to the field, her work in the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and discusses the importance of studying rural environments.
Source: Environmental Factor
Oct 31, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extending the comment period on the draft Hazard Review: Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure Among Farmworkers and Other Outdoor Workers. The purpose of the Hazard Review document is to provide an overview of the relevant health effects literature and present evidence-based recommendations to protect outdoor workers, including farm workers, construction workers, oil and gas workers, park rangers, emergency responders, and others, from the adverse health effects of occupational exposure to wildland fire smoke. Comments are now due by January 10, 2025. An informational webinar about the draft Hazard Review document will be held on December 3, 2024, at 1:00p.m. Eastern. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 24, 2024 - Highlights challenges faced by a rural Kansas community in their efforts to address nitrate contamination in drinking water. Notes that agricultural practices and sandy soil have led to dangerous increases in nitrate levels over recent decades. Describes efforts to obtain funding for a new water treatment center and to increase testing of private wells.
Source: KCUR