Summer 2023 has brought record-breaking heat and humidity as well as air quality advisories for New York City and the surrounding area. Check in with the EHS team for tips on reducing pollution exposure and staying healthy while enjoying summer activities. The team also details the benefits of maintaining an accurate chemical inventory, discusses pathogen resistance and disinfectants, and more.
Summertime Air Quality in NYC: Risks and Strategies to Reduce Exposure
Warm weather, outdoor activities, and increased air pollution often accompany New York City summer. While the city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, it also contends with air quality issues that can pose risks to public health.
Improve Lab Safety and Sustainability by Maintaining Accurate Chemical Inventory
Following chemical safety best practices can have beneficial impacts that reach beyond the immediate laboratory. Explore how the simple act of maintaining an accurate chemical inventory can improve lab safety and affect new initiatives, including the Facilities Management & Campus Operations Department’s air quality and sustainability project in the Belfer Research Building.
Medical Health Physics Launches New Website
Medical Health Physics is excited to announce the launch of its new website, designed to provide comprehensive information and resources on radiation safety services at WCM and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine. The new website represents WCM's commitment to maintaining the safest environment when using radioactivity for clinical and research applications.
Pathogen Resistance and Disinfectants
Antibiotic resistance is among the most significant concerns for the healthcare industry and public health. Antibiotics and antifungals save lives, but any time they are used—for people, animals, or plants—they can contribute to resistance. As attention to antibiotic-resistant organisms increases, many in the professional cleaning space are questioning whether pathogens can also develop resistance to chemical disinfectants.
EHS Employee Training Feedback Survey
EHS is dedicated to excellence, continuous training, and education. Please take a moment to fill out this 3-minute survey to help us learn how we can improve and expand our development programs for the Weill Cornell Medicine community.
Reminder: Shut the Sash
Keeping a chemical fume hood sash closed mitigates the potential for accidental exposures and reduces institutional energy usage. Fume hoods are one of the most energy-intensive pieces of equipment on campus, with a single hood costing about $2,600 to operate per year.