PDC 030V: Fundamentals of Biological Monitoring for IHs

CM Credit Hours: 7 

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

Biological monitoring uses biomarkers in body fluids to assess chemical exposure. This full-day professional development course begins with presentations that define biological monitoring and explain when it is required under OSHA regulations, recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and supported by guidance from the former National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Participants will explore the role of biological monitoring in exposure assessment, its complementarity to personal air sampling, and its implications for exposure control. The course also covers when to initiate, manage and conclude a biological monitoring program.

In the second half of the course, participants will apply these concepts to real-world case studies. The session begins with a shared case study on toluene diisocyanate, followed by small-group analyses of lead (focusing on blood lead levels and personal protective equipment), benzene (examining biomarker recommendations amid changing air regulations), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), using data from a refined coal tar asphalt sealant study.

Each group will present its findings in a plenary session and respond to questions before the final course evaluation.

*Note: This PDC will be conducted in Zoom. Please ensure the computer on which you will participate will allow Zoom to access all necessary computer systems including speakers, microphone, and camera.*

• Introductions
• What is Biological Monitoring and When is it Necessary?
• The Place of Biological Monitoring in Exposure Assessment and Industrial Hygiene
• Biological Monitoring and Management
• Highlights of the Morning Session
• Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) Model Exercise
• Q&A for the TDI exercise
• Presentations for the Case Studies for Breakout Groups
o Benzene
o PAHs
o Lead
• Breakout Sessions
• Group presentations
o General questions on Exposure Assessment and problems in the workplaces of the attendees
• Course Evaluation
 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Distinguish biological monitoring from personal air sampling.
• Identify and communicate the general and special uses of biological monitoring.
• Define when biological monitoring is essential.
• Articulate why biological monitoring is a tool in exposure assessment.
• Use the sources of help for biological monitoring.
• Identify and communicate the general and special aspects of the case studies.
• Define why biological monitoring was necessary in the case studies.
• Assess critically the quality of data in the case studies.
• Articulate whether the conclusions in the case studies were valid.
• Decide if biological monitoring would be useful in the attendee's workplace in terms of science and cost/benefit.
• Initiate, manage or end a biological monitoring program.
 

Participants should have a basic science background and be comfortable using a laptop to perform calculations such as averaging, determining standard deviations, and producing logarithms and antilogarithms. Attendees should bring a scientific calculator, pens and writing paper to the course. 

Attendees will receive a PDF copy of "Biological Monitoring: A Practical Field Manual, 2nd Edition". Additionally, participants will be equipped to determine whether biological monitoring is necessary and feasible for their workplaces, and to initiate, manage and conclude such programs. 

Attendees will receive enough information to determine whether biological monitoring should be included in their workplace exposure assessment program, along with the basic steps to start, manage or end it. 

Laptop or Tablet/iPad

Scientific Calculator

Introductory

Administrative Controls

Chemical Hazards

Exposure Assessment

Biological Monitoring

Education and training

Exposure Assessment

Personal protective equipment

Regulatory compliance

Virtual

Student and Early Career Professional Track

Practitioner

Case Studies

Group activities

Hands-on demonstrations and practicum

Practical Application

Problem Solving /Practice Exercises

Small Group Discussion 

Test/Quiz