EH&S offering training, resources on new DURC-PEPP policy
Update: Executive Order 14292, “Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research”, issued on May 5, 2025, has ordered a suspension of all federally funded dangerous gain-of-function research while the DURC-PEPP Policy is revised or replaced. Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research – The White House.
A new policy affecting all federally funded life sciences research involving biological agents, toxins or pandemic risks from enhanced or extinct pathogens takes effect May 6. To ensure the University of Alabama at Birmingham research community is informed and compliant with the new policy, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has developed training and support resources for affected researchers.
The new policy – called the United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP) – supersedes prior DURC and Potential Pandemic Pathogen Care and Oversight (P3CO) polices.
Read moreExtreme Heat! Be Prepared!
image by Joost NelissenTemperatures are rising across the country and many cities are feeling the heat of 100 degrees or more. With the addition of humidity, some areas will begin to experience extreme heat. During extreme heat, it is important to stay cool.
Extreme heat causes more deaths than hurricanes, tornados, floods and earthquakes combined. Heat related illnesses occur when the body is not able to compensate and properly cool itself. The great news is extreme heat is preventable by following a few tips:
- Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperatures.
- Do not leave children or pets in the car unattended at any time.
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities.
- Weather strip doors and windows to keep cool air in.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sunshine with drapes, shades or awnings.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- Stay indoors. If you do not have air conditioning, visit a cooling station such as your local library or shopping mall.
- Wear light weight and light colored clothing with sunscreen to reduce exposure to the sun.
- Pace yourself in your outside activities. Reschedule if needed.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
For more information on beating the heat visit:
http://www.ready.gov/heat
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
Extreme Heat! Be Prepared!
image by Joost NelissenTemperatures are rising across the country and many cities are feeling the heat of 100 degrees or more. With the addition of humidity, some areas will begin to experience extreme heat. During extreme heat, it is important to stay cool.
Extreme heat causes more deaths than hurricanes, tornados, floods and earthquakes combined. Heat related illnesses occur when the body is not able to compensate and properly cool itself. The great news is extreme heat is preventable by following a few tips:
Read more