Tag Archives: OSHA

The Fungus in the Dust That Can Reach Your Brain

Two hikers on a rocky trail overlooking forested canyons and distant mountains

A fungus hiding in Western dirt is sickening Americans at record pace, various publications reported in the past few months. A 2026 CDC study found that, in Arizona’s cooler northern plateaus, infections now run 6.6 times higher than in 2005–2007. In a study published in June 2025, available in the PubMed database, “a nationwide* total of 273,000 incident symptomatic coccidioidomycosis cases were estimated in 2019.” California recorded nearly 12,500 Valley fever cases in 2024, which reportedly is its highest ever. Federal modelers estimate up to 360,000 Americans get sick each year from fungus.

While infections typically affect the lungs, when spores reach the brain, they cause meningitis. As described by the CDC, meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Among patients hospitalized for Valley fever, 63.6% needed procedures like brain shunts. In one study, half developed hydrocephalus, a buildup of brain fluid, and 39% suffered strokes.

Scanning electron micrograph of fungal spores and branching hyphae, with 10 µm scale bar

“Too many patients are misdiagnosed and left without answers while their condition worsens,” said Congressman Vince Fong (CA) in September 2026. As always, the most important step is to protect yourself, so this misdiagnosis cannot occur. Protect yourself. While avoidance of dusty areas is optimal, it is not always possible. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, along with the CDC and various state governments, recommend wearing an N95 mask when in dusty outdoor environments, and when digging is involved. Ideally, stay fully indoors during dust storms. Also, be cautious about domestic or international travel: in 2023, a fungal meningitis outbreak tied to Mexican cosmetic-surgery clinics killed 12 of 24 US patients. See a doctor about any cough or headache that lingers.

*The number of Valley fever incidents are not recorded in every state, but of those who do, California, Arizona and the rest of the Southwest seem to have the greatest number of cases.

The Ride of a Lifetime or a Lifetime Injury?

For years, thrill-seekers lined up at Six Flags Magic Mountain to be spun, flipped and dropped at 76 mph on X2. Now more than 100 say that momentary thrill left them brain-injured. On September 21, three riders sued the park and the ride’s car manufacturer, alleging brain bleeds, some requiring emergency surgery. Separately, Six Flags recently settled a wrongful-death suit following a man’s death from head trauma after riding X2 in 2022.

Roller coaster inspection scene with safety gear, Mechanical Inspection checklist, and ECG waveform labeled P, Q, S, T

Doctors state that through the rides’ rapid acceleration-deceleration, force can make the brain bleed even when the head hits nothing.

Currently, there is no national database of ride accidents, and no federal agency polices fixed-site rides. Permanently installed rides have been exempt from federal safety oversight since 1981. Rides are subject to state rules, such as that in California: Cal/OSHA closes hazardous rides and fine operators up to $70,000. On March 5, 2025, Rep. André Carson (IN) introduced HR1855, the National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act, “to amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to ensure amusement rides permanently fixed to a site are treated as consumer products.” In response, the amusement park industry’s trade group, IAAPA, says states already inspect rides.

For now, the thrill remains and can be enjoyed, with caution in mind.

Heat, the Brain, and the Law

Red Ford pickup truck driving on a desert road under bright sun with mountains ahead

Extreme heat is a direct threat to the brain. When the body cannot shed heat fast enough, core temperature climbs and heat stroke can follow. This medical emergency leads to overheated blood damaged neurons and can result in cognitive impairment. People already living with a brain injury are especially vulnerable, as damaged temperature-regulating systems make it harder to cool down and easier to slip into confusion, seizures, or worsening symptoms.

Prevention, though, is straightforward and quite simple: hydrate constantly, rest in shade or air conditioning, avoid exertion during the hottest time of the day, and wear light clothing. Most importantly, treat dizziness, nausea, or confusion as warning signs and call 911 immediately when there is sudden confusion or a collapse.

Government response has been uneven. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s original Heat National Emphasis Program expired in April 2026 and was replaced by a revised, expanded federal program running through April 2031. H.R. 6213 and S. 4427 would prevent the Department of Labor from putting a national heat safety rule into action.

Profile of a human head with a detailed brain illustration and legal symbols including a gavel, scales, and law book.

On July 21, 2026, the House Education and Workforce Committee advanced the Heat Workforce Standards Act in an 18-15 party-line vote to block OSHA from finalizing such a rule. Opposing it, Rep. Alma Adams (NC) challenged colleagues to “stack boxes on Independence Avenue for a few hours without water and without shade.” In support of the bill, Rep. Tim Walberg (MI) argued that it isn’t fair to impose a “one-size-fits-all” federal mandate across very different industries, climates, and workplace environments. Though all states have extreme temperature concerns, as can be attested in the Northeast right now, it is notable that the opposition comes from not only party lines, but also from regions of the country that often have heat waves.