PDC 202: State-of-the Art Modeling for Industrial Hygienists Using IH Mod 2.0 With Monte Carlo Simulation

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Room: 294 

CM Credit Hours: 3.5 

*Please note: PDCs are at an additional cost, and preregistration is required*
To register, please visit: https://aihaconnect.org/register

This half-day professional development course offers a comprehensive introduction to IH Mod 2.0, a free Excel-based modeling tool available on the American Industrial Hygiene Association's website. The tool is designed to evaluate workplace and consumer inhalation exposures and includes both deterministic and stochastic (Monte Carlo simulation) modes to address variability and uncertainty in exposure estimates.

Participants will learn how to use the IH Mod 2.0 suite of exposure models and support files, select appropriate models and parameter inputs for specific exposure scenarios, and determine whether to use deterministic or probabilistic approaches. The course will explore the following model types: well-mixed room (box) model, two-zone (near-field/far-field) model, near-field plume model, and turbulent eddy diffusion model.

Case studies will demonstrate how to apply these models in various settings, including scenarios with well-known versus uncertain input parameters. The course will emphasize characterizing exposure distributions using uniform, triangular, normal, and lognormal distributions via Monte Carlo simulation techniques.

Participants will also learn how to interpret model outputs, which may be expressed as concentration curves or time-weighted averages at different percentiles. The course will present validation efforts comparing modeled and measured results and discuss issues related to data quality, model validation, and limitations.

Hands-on exercises will allow participants to use IH Mod 2.0 to model several industrial hygiene exposure scenarios during the course.

*Please note: Only participants registering for two (2) half-day PDCs on the same day will receive a box lunch. **Please note: power strips will not be provided at each attendee's seat; however, charging stations for laptops will be provided in each course room.

• Introduction to use of mathematical modeling in exposure and risk assessment
• Historical evolution and development of IH MOD
• IH Mod 2.0 – addition of advanced Monte Carlo simulation tool and updated support files
• Accounting for variability and uncertainty in exposure estimates
• Description of deterministic versus probabilistic approaches
• Discussion of key input parameters (e.g., emission rate, ventilation rate, near field geometry, random air speed)
• Overview of exposure models:
o Well-mixed room (box) model with backpressure or purging equation and background contamination
o Two-zone (near field/far field) model with constant or decreasing emission rate
o Near and mid- field plume model
o Turbulent eddy diffusion model with or without advection and with constant emission rate or following pulse release
o Case study examples
• Small group activity to address several scenarios and real time use of IH Mod 2.0.
• Data quality issues and model limitations
• Future directions
• Q&A review
 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Identify situations where exposure models may be useful.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the types of models covered in the PDC.
• Summarize the key parameters required for each model and sources of data.
• Determine whether to adopt a deterministic or probabilistic approach.
• Apply models and interpret model results appropriately.
• Navigate and utilize IH Mod 2.0 software.
 

Attendees should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and enabling macros in that software. Participants should bring a laptop with the model downloaded before the start of the PDC. However, if participants cannot download software because of employer requirements, the students can work in groups to solve the in-class case studies. 

Participants will gain increased awareness and knowledge of advanced exposure modeling tools and support materials developed for industrial hygienists. The course provides guidance on model selection, characterizing distributions, and identifying input parameters. Attendees will develop a stronger understanding of key exposure factors and sources of variability and uncertainty. The session also emphasizes critical evaluation of data quality and model limitations. Participants will enhance their skills in exposure estimation, predictive modeling, quantitative uncertainty analysis, and risk-based decision-making.
 

The professional development course will help participants build skills in exposure estimation, predictive modeling and quantitative uncertainty analysis. It will also cover the assessment of effective controls to support risk-based decision-making. 

Laptop

Laptop or Tablet/iPad

Intermediate

Exposure Assessment

Risk Assessment

Exposure Assessment

In-person

Professional

Case Studies

Group activities

Hands-on demonstrations and practicum

Problem Solving /Practice Exercises