News Briefs

Yale Presents Update on Body Shop Study

In a recent press conference hosted by ASA, Dr. Youcheng Liu, M.D., Sc.D, gave a summary of the ongoing study on isocyanate exposure and asthma in body shops.

Isocyanate asthma is classified as occupational asthma and is very difficult to diagnose, according to Liu. Isocyanate properties, the cause of isocyanate asthma, are comprised from a group of chemicals contained in paint hardeners, primers and sealers. Results of the study thus far indicate the greatest risk of contamination is by intaking these properties through the skin and by breathing. Individuals in closest proximity to spraying experience the greatest exposure.

Of the painters studied thus far, nearly 35 percent have asthma-like symptoms. An equal percentage, however, do not have symptoms.

The study, funded with a $2 million grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is entering the fourth year of what is expected to be a five-year project.

Autobody Expo Set for May 18-19

Autobody Expo 2001, sponsored by the California Autobody Association, will be held May 18-19 at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, Calif. In addition to its trade show exhibits, it features Automotive Management Institute (AMI) management seminars and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification testing, as well as a number of other educational opportunities. To register, call (916) 646-8111 or visit www.calautobody.com.

Information Resource Web Site Features AutoInc. Online

AutoInc., the official publication of ASA, has been featured on HeadlineSpot.com (www.headlinespot.com), a new guide to the best U.S. and international news resources on the Web. The AutoInc. Web site (www.autoinc.org) was hand-selected by the HeadlineSpot.com editorial team to be showcased among the best and most noteworthy news and journalism resources online. AutoInc. is featured in the HeadlineSpot.com Automotive section of Industry News.

ASA Receives Recognition

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) presented ASA a certificate of appreciation recognizing ASA's contributions to public awareness and outreach efforts for the DOT Auto Safety Hotline. The hotline provides information on vehicle recalls, receives motor vehicle safety complaints and furnishes information on safety improvements.

Bob Redding, ASA's Washington, D.C., representative, said, “ASA appreciates being recognized as a contributor to public outreach about transportation safety and awareness. We look forward to continuing our efforts in the promotion of the hotline and the renewal of our commitment toward safety efforts.”l

The hotline number is (888) 327-4236.

EPA Awards Available for Energy Efficiency

Is your business practicing exemplary energy efficiency that translates into real dollar savings? If so, you could win an award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

You may nominate your own business, or any other small business, by calling 1-888-STAR YES and filling out an application at the ENERGY STAR for small business Web site at http://www.epa.gov/smallbiz. The deadline for applications is April 22.

Your small business or organization must be a facility of 100,000 square feet or less and must not be in the energy equipment industry. Nominees who have shown creative and innovative solutions are highly encouraged by the EPA to enter.

Paint Company Management Course Receives AMI Approval

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp. recently announced that its one-day course, “Estimating Solutions for Profit,” has received accreditation from the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). With this approval, Sherwin-Williams now offers body shop professionals a total of 84 hours worth of credit toward the 120 hours of management classes needed for completion of the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation. With the approval of this course, all management courses offered by Sherwin-Williams are now AMI accredited.

Designed for shop owners, managers, estimators and production managers, the estimating solutions course is designed to improve estimate accuracy.

For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.sherwin-automotive.com.

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