Health & Safety Hazards

According to the World Health Organization, particulate matter affects more people than any other component of air pollution. Inhalation of these types of particles can cause a variety of possible effects ranging from irritation, infection and discomfort to exacerbation of asthma.

Weather conditions can cause significant flooding. Floods offer safety challenges relative to cleaning, remediation, recovery, restoration, and rebuilding of residential and commercial property. Consult 3M's tools and resources for learning more about personal safety in flood hazards and clean-up.

Click through for earthquake emergency and response preparedness resources from NIOSH, OSHA and the CDC.

Following are a few resources regarding volcanic eruptions. You can also search other resources for more information, including your local health departments.

Personal protection in the aftermath of a wildfire is an important consideration during the cleanup process. Selection of Personal Safety and Protective Equipment depends on both anticipated hazards and the task to be performed.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that “Since December 2014, USDA has confirmed several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 in the Pacific, Central, and Mississippi flyways (or migratory bird paths).

3M offers a variety of products that can help you decrease your exposure to the influenza virus and the recent H7N9 (Avian Flu) influenza virus. 3M has developed a number of resources and information specific to respirator use in the case of an influenza pandemic or outbreak.

Respirators can help reduce exposures to certain airborne diseases, such as Influenza, but cannot eliminate exposure to or the risk of contracting any disease or infection. The respirator is designed to cover your nose and mouth.

For more information, see the following influenza related websites.

Respirators can help reduce exposures to certain airborne diseases, such as H7N9, but cannot eliminate exposure to or the risk of contracting any disease or infection. The respirator is designed to cover your nose and mouth.

See information on personal protective equipment for potential exposures to Ebola virus disease (EVD).

3M has received a number of inquiries regarding the appropriate respirator recommendations for potential exposures to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (previously referred to as a novel coronavirus (nCoV)).

3M has received a number of inquiries regarding the appropriate respiratory, eye and face protection for potential exposures to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (previously referred to as a novel coronavirus (nCoV)).

Following potential exposure to coronaviruses such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Excessive exposure to heat can seriously impact worker health, safety and productivity. Accurate measurement of environmental conditions along with use of PPE that can minimize or reduce worker heat load can help reduce the risk of heat strain.

Manganese Occupational Exposure Limits: There have been recent changes by ACGIH to manganese occupational exposure limits (OEL) which may have an effect on various industries and industrial processes.

Individuals participating in oil spill related activities face a range of work-related hazards. The need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for clean-up and remediation activities is essential.

As the EPA works to better align Noise Reduction Ratings, 3M offers news updates as changes are made, answers to frequently asked questions, articles as well as an opportunity to pose questions to internal hearing conservation experts.