Mon, 6/1: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Poster Sessions
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Content Level
Introductory
Intermediate
Advanced
Core Competencies
Chemical Sampling and Instrumental Analysis
Chemical Hazards
Community Exposure
Engineering Controls and Ventilation
Exposure Assessment
Functional Core Competencies
Health Regulations
IH/OH Program Management
Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention
Personal Protective Equipment
Risk Assessment
Safety
Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes
Targeted Audience
Practitioner
Professional
Technician
Presentations
Recent global outbreaks of accelerated silicosis within the stone countertop fabrication industry have drawn the attention of the regulatory, scientific and OEHS communities concerned with the identification and control of exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). The increasing demand and use of engineered stone (ES) countertops since the early 2000s has coincided with the increased incidence of accelerated silicosis among countertop fabricators who process ES. Unlike natural stone, which generally contains 2 to 50% crystalline silica, ES often comprises >90% crystalline silica. While RCS is a recognized hazard among stone workers, prior to the 2010s, no published study had evaluated the exposure potential to RCS among ES fabrication workers. However, RCS exposure concentration data among this worker population have become increasingly available. The present study includes a review of all publicly available measured RCS concentration data associated with stone fabrication work, an evaluation of utilized engineering controls, and trend analysis on the impact of engineering controls on airborne concentrations. This review and analysis aggregate limited but critical data that can assist OEHS professionals with the selection and implementation of the most effective controls for specific fabrication tasks to protect worker health, as well as identify gaps where more data are necessary to better inform worker health and safety in the stone countertop fabrication industry.
A. Shen, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Boulder, CO, USA
M. Ghosh, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Boulder, CO, USA
Acknowledgements & References
None
Poster Presenter
Amber Banducci, MPH, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group Boulder, CO
United States of America
Consensus standards are critical tools for the industrial hygienist. They delineate the state of the art in protecting workers and the community from health and safety hazards and are recognized by the courts as the best choice in the hierarchy of available methods. In 2011, AIHA changed course on consensus standards involvement, from being a Standards Developing Organization itself, to representing the interests of the industrial hygiene profession on standards developed by internationally recognized consensus organizations such as ASSP, ASTM and ISO. The poster will review progress made, and current and future activities necessary to ensure the continued relevance of AIHA and its Members in the industrial hygiene consensus building process. The poster will be presented by members of the AIHA Standards Advisory Panel, and attendees will be invited to provide input to the future of AIHA standards activities.
M. Brisson, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, North Augusta, SC, USA
E. Botnick, ELB Consulting Services, LLC, Luling, LA, USA
K. Babik, Tidewater, Inc., Baltimore, MD, USA
P. Bellan , Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
L. DeBobes, Leo DeBobes Safety Consultants, West Sayville, NY, USA
P. Lee, Spencer, IN, USA
C. Mukherjee, USAFSAM/OE DOEHRS, Dayton, OH, USA
J. Schuster, BAE Systems, Lake in the Hills, IL, USA
Acknowledgements & References
D. Hollins, Hollins Consulting, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
M. Twilley, AIHA, Falls Church, VA, USA
Poster Presenter
Kenneth White, Consultive Services Virginia Beach, VA
United States of America
Fentanyl contamination in public environments is an emerging occupational and environmental health concern, particularly in high-traffic community spaces. This in-progress study at Georgia Southern University evaluates surface residues across university shuttle buses, recreation facilities, and control rooms, with a daycare facility serving as a baseline control. Sampling targets high-touch surfaces such as handrails, seat-backs, and locker room fixtures, using Trace Eye-D colorimetric wipes with confirmatory LC-MS testing. By comparing contamination across routes, facilities, and time intervals, including morning, midday, and evening sampling, this project seeks to establish baseline data for understanding environmental presence and exposure risks. The findings will inform risk assessment, sanitation protocols, and long-term monitoring strategies in campus and community environments, with implications for custodial staff, students, and the broader public health community.
Jhy-Charm Soo, Ph.D. Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College Public Health, Georgia Southern University
Layla Hughes, Undergraduate student, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University
Samuel Mbadu, M.P.H. Candidate. Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University
Acknowledgements & References
Jhy-Charm Soo, Ph.D. Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College Public Health, Georgia Southern University
Poster Presenter
Kirsten Barrett, Georgia Southern University Richmond Hill, GA
USA
Firefighters have consistently faced elevated health risks due to complex smoke and combustion by-products. Among these, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been recognized as a critical group of contaminants with strong links to cancer and other chronic outcomes. However, routine monitoring of firefighter exposure has often been limited to short-term air sampling or biomonitoring after incidents, leaving major gaps in understanding cumulative exposure. To address this challenge, we applied silicone wristbands as unobtrusive personal samplers to characterize firefighter PAH exposure during duty and station contexts. This approach integrated exposure over time, minimized interference with emergency activities, and provided a practical tool for capturing real-world conditions. By focusing on PAHs, the study has strengthened the evidence base for occupational exposure assessment and highlighted a pathway for developing more effective intervention and control strategies in the fire service.
Zih-Han Lin, National Taiwan University, Taipei, TAIWAN
Hui-Yu Chen, National Taiwan University, Taipei, TAIWAN
Meng-Hsuan Wu, National Taiwan University, Taipei, TAIWAN
Acknowledgements & References
NSTC 114-2621-M-002-012
Poster Presenter
Shih-Wei Tsai, PhD, CIH, National Taiwan University Taipei, AA
TWN
This project focuses on developing a method for air sampling and analysis of methylene chloride using solid sorbent tubes, followed by thermal desorption and analysis by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.
Methylene chloride, or dichloromethane, is an organochlorine compound used in various applications, including automotive products, paint and coating removers, organic synthesis, and sample preparation in analytical chemistry.
In April 2024, the EPA issued a final rule regulating methylene chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to protect human health from health risks.
G. Popov, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO, USA
Acknowledgements & References
None
Poster Presenter
Tsvetan Popov, PhD, CIH, CSP, University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO
United States of America
This study reports on the development of a personal sampler for measuring isocyanurate exposure during the spray painting of urethane coatings. The sampler is designed with a simple structure to simultaneously collect both aerosolized mist and gaseous isocyanates from the sprayed paint. This report validates the sampler through spiking and recovery tests, as well as collection tests, in an actual manufacturing environment.
K. TOGO, SIBATA Sci. Tech. Ltd., Nakane, Soka city, JP
Y. FUKUSHIMA, SIBATA Sci. Tech. Ltd., Nakane, Soka city, JP
H. SUZUKI, SIBATA Sci. Tech. Ltd., Nakane, Soka city, JP
T. ENOMOTO, SIBATA Sci. Tech. Ltd., Nakane, Soka city, JP
Acknowledgements & References
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Nakaie and Ms. Yasuda of Kansai Environmental Science Co., Ltd. for their invaluable cooperation with the on-site measurements for this research.
Poster Presenter
Yoshihiro Suzuki, SIBATA Scientifc Technology Ltd. Soka City
Japan
Taiwan's rapidly aging population and shrinking labor force have led to a surge in industrial migrant workers-now numbering over 500,000 from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. These workers are often concentrated in "3D" jobs (Dangerous, Dirty, Demanding) and face higher occupational injury rates than local employees. Yet, most occupational safety and health (OSH) training is still delivered in Chinese, relying on ad-hoc translation or intermediaries, which undermines both learning and safety outcomes.
This session presents findings from two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at bridging that gap: a Class A OSH Supervisor Training Program for migrant workers, and native-language hazard prevention and emergency response courses offered in Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino. We will share lessons from both successes and setbacks-ranging from recruitment challenges, scheduling conflicts, and certification barriers, to high participant satisfaction with interactive, hands-on training formats.
Attendees will gain insight into the practical realities of developing multilingual OSH training, strategies for empowering workers as safety leaders, and the broader implications for protecting vulnerable populations in industries.
Y. T. Lin, X. Chen
Acknowledgements & References
Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Taiwan
Poster Presenter
Wan-Chen Lee, National Taiwan University Taipei City, Taiwan
TWN
Feminine hygiene products are indispensable daily necessities used throughout a woman's reproductive years, from puberty to menopause. With the growing demand for these products, a wide range of options is now available on the market, including non-bleached, scented, cooling, and organic varieties. However, some research suggests that some of these products may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates, parabens, bisphenols, triclocarban, and allergic fragrances, which can be absorbed through the skin and potentially lead to adverse health effects.
In today's workforce, extended working hours are common work, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries. For many women, such working conditions reduce the opportunities to change feminine hygiene products regularly. Prolonged use of feminine hygiene products not only increases discomfort and infection risk but also lengthens the duration of exposure to EDCs present in these products. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate EDC exposure among female workers engaged in long shifts.
none
Acknowledgements & References
National Science and Technology Council, R.O.C. (NSTC), Taipei, Taiwan (project number: 114-2314-B-002-109)
Poster Presenter
Meng-Hsuan Wu, National Taiwan University Taipei, Taiwan
TWN
Firefighters face repeated exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which accumulate on turnout gear and remain a source of secondary exposure. This study presents the first time-series investigation in Taiwan of PAH contamination following real-world fire responses. Wipe samples were collected from four fire stations in New Taipei City, Taiwan, across outer shells, inner liners, and helmets.
Results showed gear from high-intensity incidents contained the broadest range of PAHs, often exceeding ten species per sample. Outer shells exhibited the highest contamination, while individual variability suggested that roles, duration, and gear condition influenced exposure loads. Follow-up sampling over four days revealed that PAHs decreased over time but not uniformly. Lighter compounds such as naphthalene dissipated more quickly, while higher-molecular-weight species such as chrysene and benz(a)anthracene persisted. Notably, toxic equivalent (TEQ) values remained above background on Day 4, indicating incomplete clearance by natural dissipation.
These findings confirm that PAH residues are widespread and persistent. Current cleaning practices are insufficient to remove contamination effectively, highlighting the need for improved decontamination technologies, targeted cleaning of high-risk areas, and evidence-based policies to reduce firefighters' cumulative exposure and long-term cancer risk.
S-K Lin, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taiepi City, Taiwan
W-M Chu, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City, Taiwan
C-P Chang, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City, Taiwan
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Yu-Wen Lin, Fu Jen Catholic University New Taipei City, Taiwan
TWN
Dog housing animal shelters are consistently noisy workplaces, with occasional peaks above 100 dBA. OSHA regulations set a strict action level of 85 dBA for an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA), at which point employees must be enrolled in a Hearing Conservation Program. Few studies document actual kennel worker noise exposure across a full shift. This study found that two Harris County, TX shelters exceeded OSHA's action level for workers spending a full shift in kennels. Many workers are not enrolled in conservation programs and rarely use hearing protection. No prior research has evaluated low cost noise abatement in shelter environments. The presentation details an intervention using inexpensive sound dampening moving blankets installed along kennel walls, aiming to reduce harmful noise exposure for shelter staff. This study found that simple installation of quarter-inch thick moving blankets dampened the sound levels by 5 dB. Noise levels were also compared between night and day, and weekday and weekend.
A. Kelling, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Clear Lake, Texas, USA
N. Kelly, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Clear lake, Texas, USA
M. Akladios, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Clear Lake, Texas, USA
Acknowledgements & References
R. Phalen, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Clear Lake, Texas, USA Statistical analysis guidance.
Poster Presenter
Dr Julie King, CSP, Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR
When grinding rounded or non-flat concrete surfaces, current commercially available vacuum systems fail to contain silica dust. The rigid shroud on these tool-mounted systems cannot maintain a seal, allowing large amounts of airborne dust to be released directly into the operator's breathing zone. While wet grinding systems, which use a continuous water mist to control dust at the source to effectively mitigate this hazard, their commercial availability for concrete finishing applications is limited. Consequently, manufacturers have not provided adequate engineering controls to suppress or capture silica-containing dust during the detailing of non-flat concrete infrastructure.
Employees faced high silica exposure, reaching levels 38.8 times the ACGIH TLV, primarily due to the limited capture efficiency of HEPA-filtered dust collectors. A key challenge was the failure of conventional local exhaust ventilation for concrete grinding on non-flat surfaces. Commercially available shrouds could not properly conform to these shapes, leading to inadequate suction and high employee dust exposure. To address this issue, wet grinding methods were introduced at a major infrastructure manufacturer. This approach has proven effective in real-world conditions, reducing personal silica exposure to a safe level below the ACGIH TLV. While this is currently the most effective and practical solution, the limited availability of suitable equipment means it may not be viable for every si
Kevin Beeunas graduated from Purdue University in 2017 and immediately joined the Liberty Mutual Risk Control group. As an Industrial Hygienist, Kevin advises all levels of customer organizations on occupational disease risk assessment and man processes. Further, Kevin is responsible for supporting customers by identifying exposure risk, evaluating workplace practices/procedures, and developing strategies to reduce the risk of occupational disease associated with various stressors through a var
Acknowledgements & References
Dr Rob Agnew, Technical Director, Industrial Hygiene, Liberty Mutual Insurance
Poster Presenter
Adam McCann, Liberty Mutual Insurance Mission Viejo, CA
United States of America
Sound is a mechanical wave characterized by frequency, wavelength, and amplitude, with noise defined as unwanted sound. Frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz), determines pitch, while decibels (dB or dBA) quantify sound intensity on a logarithmic scale-higher decibel levels correspond to louder sounds.
This study investigates how sound intensity varies indoors with distance and frequency, a critical concern for fields such as occupational health, safety, environmental science, acoustics, architecture, civil engineering, and noise control in venues like movie theaters and lecture halls. Understanding these dynamics is essential for managing noise pollution, which can affect human health, comfort, and productivity in both work and non-work environments.
The primary goal of this research is to analyze how noise levels change across different indoor workspaces, providing insights to inform improved environmental design and effective noise mitigation strategies.
Materials Used:
Monotone Noise Frequency Generator (capable of producing 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz tones)
Electronic sound level meter (SLM) (for measuring decibels), Casella 63X, Digital SLM (https://casellasolutions.com), Fig 1.
Calibration device for noise SLM at 1000 Hz and 114 dBA
Measuring tape or ruler (for distance measurement), https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Mileseey-Distance-switching-Pythagorean/dp/B0863RK1KX?th=1
Controlled indoor environment within the Computer Science and Industrial Technology
Dr. Ahmad Fayed, Southeastern Louisiana University, Industrial and Engineering Technology Department
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Ephraim Massawe, Sc.D., Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, LA
USA
Epidemics of malignant mesothelioma have been identified in community members that lived in proximity to asbestos-cement plants in many countries worldwide. Asbestos-cement-a composite material made from Portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers-was widely used due to its low cost, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals. Products included siding and roofing shingles, flat and corrugated sheets, and pipes. Chrysotile was the primary asbestos fiber type used in asbestos-cement pipe, although crocidolite and amosite fibers were also incorporated. This poster presents historical information related to the Johns-Manville facility in Marrero, Louisiana (JM Marrero), which manufactured asbestos-cement pipe from 1946 to 1970. We examine how facility asbestos consumption, workplace and ambient exposure, pollution control efforts, and waste management practices may have contributed to environmental contamination and community exposure. Our presentation aims to highlight the potential health impacts experienced by residents living near the JM Marrero facility.
T. Cardona, Ramboll, Seattle, WA, USA
J. Ellis, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
M. Holton, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
E. Anderson, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
Acknowledgements & References
None
Poster Presenter
Shannon Meyler, Ramboll Seattle, WA
USA
Firefighters face unpredictable, high-intensity noise from sirens, horns, rescue tools, and emergency vehicles. Unlike industrial workers exposed to steady noise, they experience sudden bursts that increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). While NIHL among firefighters has been reported internationally, only limited cases have been documented in Korea, and scientific data remain limited. This study assessed noise exposure in 115 Korean firefighters across fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical service (EMS) roles. Personal dosimeters were set to Korean MOEL and ISO standards, and fire station records were used to classify tasks. Time-weighted average (TWA) and peak exposures were analyzed by role and activity. Although average TWAs did not exceed regulatory limits, some tasks-such as equipment checks, training, and rescue operations-exceeded 100 dBA. Rescue personnel had the highest exposures, while EMS onboard staff faced greater noise than drivers. Elevated levels were also observed during in-station training activities. Currently, Korean firefighters are not required to undergo noise exposure assessments, and most stations lack structured hearing conservation programs. Hearing tests are limited to general medical exams, making occupational NIHL difficult to establish. These findings highlight the need for firefighter-specific hearing conservation programs and preventive strategies, including communication-friendly hearing protection.
D. Kim, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI), Ulsan, Ulsan Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea
Acknowledgements & References
G. Jung, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Ulsan Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea
Poster Presenter
Sung Ho Kim, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency Ulsan, Out of USA
Korea, Republic of
This poster showcases a student-led project in the planning phase that will apply Bayesian Decision Analysis (BDA) / IHDataStats™ to assess noise exposures in American football stadiums. Students will gain hands-on experience in study planning, equipment preparation (sound level meter and dosimeter calibration), field data collection, and probabilistic modeling under uncertainty. The project demonstrates how BDA/IHDataStats™ tool can enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, foster interest in occupational safety, health, and environmental (OSH&E) careers, and support workforce development. Attendees will learn about the planned methodology, educational objectives, and anticipated outcomes, including the integration of real-world-ready experiential learning to prepare the next generation of OSH&E professionals.
Phillip Bellan, Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Ahmad Fayed, Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), Hammond, LA, USA
Logan Pierre, Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), Hammond, LA, USA
Gregory Binder, Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), Hammond, LA, USA
Brennon Matherne, Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), Hammond, LA, USA
Acknowledgements & References
Andy Bragg
, (Generously Donated Equipment Used for this project)
Dusty Ott , (Generously Donated Equipment Used for this project)
Susan Walton (Generously Donated Equipment Used for this project)
Poster Presenter
Ephraim Massawe, Sc.D., Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, LA
USA
Recycled polyester (rPET) made from post-consumer PET bottles may see increasing application in workwear and uniforms as part of corporate sustainability efforts. Although rPET provides environmental advantages, its recycling process can introduce non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), including impurities, degradation products, and chemical residues that differ from those in virgin polyester. In addition, to enhance the performance of recycled materials, additional additives may be incorporated during the manufacturing process. These substances raise concerns for workers who wear such clothing for long periods (8–12 hours), often in conditions involving sweat and friction. Extended skin contact may allow chemicals to migrate from the fabric to the skin, presenting a potential but under-researched occupational exposure route. This research emphasizes the importance of identifying and evaluating NIAS and other chemicals of concern in rPET textiles, as well as assessing related health risks. By connecting sustainability objectives with occupational health, the study highlights the need for scientific data to ensure that environmentally friendly uniforms do not compromise worker safety.
Shih-Wei Tsai, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Acknowledgements & References
National Science and Technology Council, Taipei, Taiwan (NSTC 114-2621-M-002-012)
Poster Presenter
Hui-Yu Chen, National Taiwan University Taipei City, Taiwan
TWN
As part of its mission to ensure the health and safety of American workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains the Chemical Exposure Health Data (CEHD) which contains sampling results from OSHA compliance inspections. While others have used limited subsets of these data for analysis, we utilized the entirety of the available data to identify the potential presence of hazards by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. After significant data cleaning, we identified 1,349,070 personal, 63,806 area, and 150,066 bulk samples of various substances collected across over 900 industries between 1984 and 2024. After excluding substances with fewer than 100 measurements or that did not represent a chemical exposure, a total of 285 unique substances were identified, ranging from 103,535 (inorganic lead) to 100 (hexylene glycol) measurements. To demonstrate the advantages and challenges of working with such a dataset, we have used personal airborne lead exposures as a case study for the types of industry-specific analyses that can be conducted. This analysis demonstrates the value of the CEHD dataset in helping OEHS professionals identify potential exposures in specific industries and provides preliminary information on the upper-bound estimates of potential exposure that may exist.
M. Vahora, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL, USA
B. Roberts, Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Sierra Smith, Benchmark Risk Group Chicago, IL
USA
Flavoring chemicals are volatile additives that improve the taste or smell of food. Some flavoring chemicals have low odor thresholds, causing some workers to assume they are exposed to a harmful level of flavoring chemical based on their ability to perceive the odor. To determine whether odor perception can be used as an estimate of workplace exposure, odor thresholds of common flavoring chemicals were compared with workplace exposure levels identified in the scientific literature and, where available, occupational exposure limits. A flavoring chemical's odor threshold is not a reliable indicator of its exposure risk.
K. Tuttle, PhD, CIH, DABT, J.S. Held, Dallas, TX; M. Nealley, MS, CIH, J.S. Held, Columbia, MD
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Jadine Semanske, MS, CIH, J.S. Held Redmond, WA
United States of America