By Richard T. Cartwright, PE, CHMM, (IHMM, AHMP and APICS) Fellow
The saying, “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it” is more than a cliché. It is a reminder that we must constantly be learning from the past. Here’s a look back at major historical events that happened today in the world of hazardous materials.
August 23, 1999
West Nile encephalitis outbreak was first reported in New York City. It was previously found only in Uganda and the Middle East. The virus is spread by mosquitoes. Between 1999 and 2008, more than 30,000 cases and 1,100 deaths were reported in the U.S. The West Nile virus has since been moving steadily westward across America.
August 23, 1998
Kathryn Schoonover, a terminally ill and homeless cancer patient, was arrested outside a California post office. She was attempting to mail to her perceived enemies 100 lethal packets of cyanide disguised as nutritional supplements.
August 23, 1885
Sir Henry Tizard, English chemist and inventor, was born. He developed an aircraft fuel octane rating system, which expresses anti-knocking characteristics. This initiated close cooperation of Anglo-American scientists in aeronautics and rocketry. Tizard’s scientific achievements contributed to victory in the 1940 Battle of Britain.
August 23, 1783
The process of filling the first hydrogen balloon began in France. The lighter-than-air gas was produced by reacting sulfuric acid with iron. Its construction was supervised by French physicist Jacques A.C. Charles, who had suggested using hydrogen rather than hot air. The process of filling the balloon took place over several days.
August 23, 1609
Telescope was first demonstrated by Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei.
Historical hazardous materials management events are posted 365 days a year at this LinkedIn discussion group.
