Welcome to the September issue of the Safety Suzy Newsletter!
| | | | As we mark Labor Day, this month’s headlines highlight both progress and new challenges for worker safety and wellbeing. The Senate has rejected sweeping cuts, preserving vital funding for OSHA, MSHA, and NIOSH, while AT&T’s $177 million data breach settlement underscores the rising risks of digital exposure for millions of Americans. On the health front, new research links mold toxins to Parkinson’s-like symptoms, while EPA spotlights indoor air quality with a fresh factsheet. Read on for essential updates, event announcements, and FED’s September schedule. | | | | | | AT&T to Pay $177M in Data Breach Settlement | |
AT&T will pay $177 million after two massive data breaches exposed personal data of over 170 million customers. Eligible current and former customers can claim up to $5,000, depending on losses. Claims must be filed by November 18, 2025, at telecomdatasettlement.com, with payments expected in early 2026.
| | | | Senate Bill Preserves Funding for OSHA, MSHA, and NIOSH in FY 2026 | |
The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a bill that maintains funding for workplace safety agencies through FY 2026, rejecting deep cuts proposed by the Trump administration. OSHA would receive $632.3 million, MSHA $387.8 million, and NIOSH $363.8 million—five times more than the administration’s proposal.
| | | | | | | Breathe Better Indoors: New IAQ Factsheet | | | | Your indoor air quality (IAQ) matters more than you think. People spend 90% of their time indoors, yet indoor pollutants can be several times higher than outdoors, affecting your health, comfort, and productivity. This new EPA factsheet breaks down the key risks, common sources of poor IAQ, and actionable steps to improve it — from source control to smarter ventilation and filtration. You’ll also learn how factors like building materials, humidity, and everyday behaviors contribute to air quality and what you can do to create a healthier, safer indoor environment for your family or workplace. .
| | | | | Asbestos Waste to Be Repurposed for EV Batteries by 2027 | | | |
Montreal-based Exterra Carbon Solutions is transforming environmental liabilities into green innovation with a $14.5M project to process asbestos mine tailings into components for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Set to launch in 2027 in Val-des-Sources, Quebec—the site of the former Jeffrey Mine—the Hub I facility will process over 300,000 tons of toxic asbestos waste annually.
Using proprietary mineralization technology, Exterra will neutralize hazardous fibers while capturing and permanently storing CO₂ within processed materials. The resulting outputs, including nickel concentrate and magnesium oxide, will support EV production and global decarbonization efforts, powered entirely by renewable energy.
| | | | | ‘Quiet Cracking’ Costs Businesses $438B | | | | A new workplace crisis is emerging: “quiet cracking.” Unlike quiet quitting, employees aren’t choosing to disengage—they’re mentally fraying under stalled career growth, AI-driven job insecurity, and relentless pressure. The result? A staggering $438 billion in lost global productivity, with over half of workers reporting unhappiness. Experts warn the signs mirror burnout: low motivation, irritability, and detachment, but often go unnoticed until it’s too late. To counter the trend, managers must listen, provide training, and create growth paths, while employees are urged to confront dissatisfaction and consider career pivots when needed. | | | | | Join Us at the 20th Asbestos Awareness & Prevention Conference | | | |
Future Environment Designs is proud to announce that we’ll be attending ADAO’s 20th Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference in New York City, September 12–13, 2025. Join us as we connect with industry leaders, researchers, and advocates to advance asbestos science, prevention, and justice. | | | | | Rutgers Study Links Mold Toxin to Parkinson’s-Like Symptoms | | | |
Rutgers researchers have discovered that a chemical emitted by certain molds can trigger Parkinson’s-like symptoms. Plant biologist Joan Bennett, once a skeptic of “sick building syndrome,” changed her view after experiencing illness while collecting mold samples from her flood-damaged home post-Hurricane Katrina. The compound, 1-octen-3-ol—nicknamed “mushroom alcohol”—caused fruit flies to develop tremors, imbalance, and impaired movement by disrupting dopamine-regulating genes. While low, occasional exposure may be harmless, continuous contact in enclosed spaces poses risks. The findings offer insight into mold’s neurological impact and a potential roadmap for developing protective treatments. | | | | | Cooling Garments Can Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses | | | |
Researchers at the University of Connecticut’s Korey Stringer Institute found that body-cooling garments can significantly reduce heat stress and improve worker productivity. In randomized trials, participants wearing cooling hats, sleeves, neck gaiters, and using large cooling towels during rest breaks maintained body temperatures about 1°F lower than the control group.
The study shows these low-cost, evaporative cooling tools are particularly effective in hot, humid, or remote work environments where powered cooling isn’t available. Lead researcher Cecilia Kaufman emphasized the importance of maximizing body surface coverage for faster cooling. | | | | | Use SafetySuzy10FEDTC at checkout to get 10% off of any of our health and safety courses. Don't forget that our loyal customers get 15% off, so please get in touch if you'd like to find out more. | | | | | | OSHA Courses (Online & In-person): - AHERA/OSHA Asbestos Awareness
- OSHA/NYSDOL 4-hr Apprentice Asbestos Awareness (NEW) - Online
- OSHA Respirator User
- OSHA Crystalline Silica Standard for Workers
- OSHA Hazard Communication
- OSHA Hazard Communication plus NYS Right-to-Know
- Covid-19 Awareness Course
- Respirator Hierarchy
- Lead in Construction Awareness Course
- Mold in Construction Awareness Course
- Blood-borne Pathogen 4-Hour Course
- OSHA Lead in Construction Awareness Course - Online
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health Course
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Course
Mold Courses: - Keeping Your Family Safe Mold Awareness - Online
- Mold in Construction Awareness Course - Online
- Mold Assessment Initial
- NYS Mold Refresher
- Oct 3, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
- Nov 7, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
- Sep 5, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Virtual
- Mold Remediation/Supervisor Initial
- Mold Abatement/Worker Initial
Asbestos Courses: - AHERA/OSHA Asbestos Awareness Course - Online
- OSHA/NYSDOL 4-hr Apprentice Asbestos Awareness (NEW) - Online
- NYCDEP Handler/Supervisor Exam Prep - Online
- NYCDEP Investigator Exam Prep - Online
- AHERA LEA's Designated Person Training - Online
- NYS/NYC Asbestos Supervisor Initial
- NYS Asbestos Inspector Initial
- Oct 8-10, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's, Syosset
- NYS Asbestos Project Designer Initial
- Asbestos Supervisor Refresher
- Sep 15, Oct 23, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
- Oct 14, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, CVPH
- NYS Asbestos Project Designer Refresher
- Sept 30, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Online
- Sept 23, Oct 27, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
- NYS Asbestos O&M Initial
- Oct 20 & 21, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, CVPH
- NYS/NYC Asbestos Handler Initial
- Sep 8, 9, 10, & 11, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, National Grid
- NYS/NYC Asbestos Inspector Refresher
- Oct 2, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Virtual
- Sep 16, Oct 31, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
- NYS/NYC Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher
- Sept 17, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
- Sept 29, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Virtual
- Asbestos Management Planner Refresher
- Oct 2, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Online
Sept 16, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, FEDTC's Syosset
For the most current schedule and additional courses, please visit Future Environment Designs' website.
Please click on the individual courses' link to discover more dates!
| | | | Don't Forget Our Referral Program! If you refer asbestos, indoor air quality, or OSHA training to us we will provide you with a 5% discount on any training you book with us. This would be in addition to any other discounts we provide. Thank you to those who have taken advantage of this! | | | | |
