Wed, 6/3: 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM CDT
Poster Sessions
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Content Level
Introductory
Intermediate
Core Competencies
Chemical Sampling and Instrumental Analysis
Chemical Hazards
Exposure Assessment
Hazard Communication
Health Regulations
IH/OH Program Management
Indoor Air Quality
Risk Assessment
Risk Management
Thermal Stressors
Toxicology / Human Disease
Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes
Targeted Audience
Practitioner
Professional
Presentations
How can global companies improve the consistency and efficiency of exposure assessments across work sites? This poster presents a framework for harmonizing Similar Exposure Groups using process- and task-based data. By Attendees will gain a glimpse into how a data dictionary-built from industrial hygiene monitoring data and validated with statistics and site industrial hygienists-can streamline exposure comparisons, reduce sampling burdens, and enhance risk management strategies. Aligning work areas, processes, and tasks across sites enables more meaningful aggregation of exposure data and supports consistent qualitative and quantitative assessments across. This approach empowers industrial hygienists to make informed decisions and fosters a unified strategy for exposure evaluation across a global enterprise.
S. Maberti, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc., Spring, TX, USA.
Acknowledgements & References
None
Poster Presenter
Madeline Sit, MPH, ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc. Spring, TX
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral within the Earth's crust, present only in highly specific areas. Throughout much of recorded history, it has been used in cosmetics and personal care products, with uses dating as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Talc-based products have a wide range of use and are ubiquitous across the cosmetic market. As a cosmetic ingredient, the safety profile of talc within the cosmetic toxicology literature is well-established within the peer reviewed scientific literature, with special consideration made for inhalation of talc. Studies of inhaled talc at cosmetic purity levels indicate that low concern for acute irritation of lung tissue, especially lung tissue that is dependent on the size distribution of talc particles inhaled. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of single and multiple uses of talc-containing facial makeup products on particulate exposure in a controlled simulation chamber.
E. Rosen, PhD, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA; C. Spaeth, PhD, Ramboll, Houston, TX, USA; M. Holton, MS, CIH, CSP, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA; A. Gallagher, PhD, Ramboll, Amherst, NY, USA; B. Ellis, MS, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ; J. Ellis, MPH, CIH, CSP, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Lillian Myers, MS, Ramboll Seattle, WA
United States of America
The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program is a valuable resource that assesses the potential exposures experienced by workers during on-site surveys of U.S. workplaces. This analysis: 1) compiles, characterizes, and contextualizes personal air sampling data on asbestos fiber concentrations evaluated under the HHE program, and 2) evaluates trends in the data. We searched for HHE reports published through August 12, 2025, that collected personal breathing zone (PBZ) measurements for asbestos during end-use applications of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Qualitative and quantitative data were extracted to characterize exposure scenarios across various occupational settings. PBZ samples were then grouped based on sample duration (e.g., full shift, task, or short-term). Data were stratified by ACM type, job title, and job task, and stratified in relation to corresponding OSHA PELs. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the entire dataset and each data group, and trends were identified. The final dataset included 46 reports (N=256 samples). Of these, ~40% (N=102) were below the limit of detection (LOD). This analysis revealed that full-shift fiber concentrations across various industries have been below OSHA's 8-hour PELs, and airborne fiber concentrations have generally decreased over time. These results can assist OEHS professionals in assessing exposure to fiber concentrations from asbestos-containing products.
D.A. Campbell, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL;
A.M. Gauthier, Benchmark Risk Group, Los Angeles, CA;
A. Abelmann, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL;
C.E. Comerford, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL;
R.C. Lewis, Benchmark Risk Group, Oakland, CA;
J.S. Pierce, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Moin Vahora, MPH, Benchmark Risk Group Chicago, IL
OSHA's Heat Illness and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Settings Proposed Rule requires a heat injury and prevention plan (HIIPP) for each worksite if an initial or high heat trigger are met. Initial or high heat triggers are met when the heat index or the WBGT equivalent exceeds 80°F or 90°F, respectively. Additionally, employers should establish acclimatization schedules for new workers and workers who may be gone from the worksite for extended periods. To help anticipate the exceedances of the heat triggers, we conducted a retrospective analysis to determine how many counties in each US state exceeded either of the heat triggers in the month of July from 2020-2025. In this period, there were 17,511 instances where a county in the U.S. was above the initial heat trigger based on temperature alone. Additionally, there were 6,899 instances where a county in the U.S. was above the high heat trigger based on temperature alone. Thus, a HIPP would have to be enacted for a time period for jurisdicted worksites. To better understand impacts at the local level, a case study was performed for Randolph County, West Virginia to derive the number of heat trigger days based on heat index calculations and identify instances where reacclimatization would have been needed for workers in July 2023. This retrospective analysis provides an indication of the frequency of days that the elements of a HIIPP will need to be in place to protect workers from potential heat stress hazards.
A. Kramer, ToxStrategies, Asheville, NC, USA.; LA. Racz, ToxStrategies, Tallahassee, FL, USA; S. Vivanco, Orange County, CA, USA; J. Panko, ToxStrategies, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Acknowledgements & References
None.
Poster Presenter
Cynthia Torres, MPH, ToxStrategies San Rafael, CA
USA
This research applies the AIHA Industrial Hygiene (IH) Decision-making Framework and Process model, as outlined by Jahn et al. (2015), to additive manufacturing (AM), often generally referred to as 3D-printing, through selective laser sintering (SLS) using polymeric-based powders (e.g., commonly nylon, such as Polyamide 2200 (PA-12)). We summarize the available information and identify knowledge gaps for the four key risk assessment steps: 1) hazard assessment, 2) exposure assessment, 3) risk characterization, and 4) risk management. SLS falls under a broader category of AM called powder bed fusion (PBF), which builds parts layer by layer by fusing powder particles using a heat source, such as a laser. This emerging technology has many advantages compared to traditional manufacturing, including high precision, advanced fabrication, and reduced use of precursor materials. However, the occupational hazards and exposure potential to workers are highly variable and not well understood. Particularly in R&D settings, SLS may pose unique exposure scenarios to workers due to the potential for novel processes, variable selection of feedstock materials that may involve mixtures, reuse of feedstock powders, and relatively increased product handling. While SLS and AM technologies continue to evolve, IH and OEHS practitioners can benefit from going through the risk assessment steps to identify potential knowledge gaps and inform the development of risk management plans.
M. Nembhard, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Atlanta, GA, USA
B. Simmons, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
R. Zisook, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
Acknowledgements & References
None
Poster Presenter
Fian Louie, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group South San Francisco, CA
Benzene is a known human carcinogen that has been associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in workers after prolonged, high exposure. We retrieved all available benzene sampling data collected in the petroleum and gasoline industries from 1984 through 2025 in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Chemical Exposure Health Data (CEHD) database. Concentrations were stratified by sample type (i.e. personal air, area air, and bulk material) and analyzed for temporal trends and industry-level trends according to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 6-digit industry code. Personal air concentrations were contextualized using the contemporaneous OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL).
We identified 109 area, 71 bulk, and 937 personal samples that represented 13 distinct NAICS 6-digit industry titles from 1984 to 2024. After adjusting for industry, personal benzene concentrations decreased by 0.11 ppm per year (p<0.05) on average since 1984. Personal 8-hour TWA-adjusted benzene levels measured post-1987 were predominantly non-quantifiable (i.e. < LOQ) and therefore well below the contemporaneous OSHA PEL of 1 ppm. Just 1.8% (n=16) of all 8-hour TWA-adjusted personal samples collected in 1987 and later exceeded the 1987 OSHA PEL. Our results provide important context on historical benzene exposures during petroleum and gasoline operations, offering a conservative, upper-bound estimate of occupational exposure for workers in these industries.
C. Krevanko, Benchmark Risk Group, Seattle, WA, USA
B. Roberts, Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
G. DeMott, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
J. Pierce, Benchmark Risk Group, Chicago, IL, USA
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Sara Zentner, MPH, Benchmark Risk Group Grand Rapids, MI
Asbestos related malignancies are considered latent diseases taking years to manifest; therefore, risk assessments need to consider the potential for exposure during a person's whole life. The Republic of South Africa was once the third largest asbestos exporter in the world, following Canada and the USSR. Nearly all the world's supply of amosite was mined in South Africa, with mining operations also producing crocidolite and chrysotile. South Africa produced more than 10 million tons of asbestos over the 20th century with production peaking at 380,000 tons per year in the 1970s. Major mines operated in the Northern Cape Province and the former Transvaal provinces such as Limpopo. This poster will summarize the industrial and environmental potential for exposure in the Republic of South Africa.
S. Meyler, Ramboll, Seattle, WA, USA
J. Ellis, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
M. Holton, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
E. Anderson, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
Acknowledgements & References
S. Meyler, Ramboll, Seattle, WA, USA
J. Ellis, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
M. Holton, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
E. Anderson, Ramboll, Princeton, NJ, USA
Poster Presenter
Callum Poulin, MPH, Ramboll Brownsville, TX
Due to the latency periods associated with asbestos-related malignancies, it is important for risk assessment professionals to evaluate a person's potential for asbestos exposures throughout their life, including time spent living in other countries. Bolivia is one of three countries in South America that do not apply restrictions to the use of asbestos; and it has historically been a source of mined asbestos, notably crocidolite, or "blue," asbestos. However, a source of information and data are lacking on the situation in Bolivia, including mesothelioma rates, locations of mines, and uses of asbestos. This poster summarizes the potential for environmental and industrial exposure to asbestos and the current knowledge of asbestos use and regulations in Bolivia.
Shannon Meyler, Jen Ellis, Mike Holton, Evan Anderson, Stephanie Stavropoulos
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Kristen Hitchcock, Ramboll Tennille, GA
Industrial hygiene occupational exposure assessment to identified hazards for underground mining and product processing for a specified facility location in Texas was performed in May 2025. Data documentation for an operating mine production facility involving defined job positions and work locations was addressed in accordance with current Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations. A representative project sampling strategy was developed for airborne Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM), Respirable Particulates and Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), and also Total Particulates and Sodium Chloride. Noise dosimetry and surface wipe samples for identified Metals using published methods and also grab sample Sound Pressure Levels (SPLs) were obtained at operating equipment. Standard Industrial Hygiene processes employing recognition, evaluation, and control techniques were applied to existing underground and surface mining operations and maintenance with air samples analyzed by AIHA-accredited laboratories. Full-shift exposure monitoring for identified job positions with observations was performed based on existing MSHA regulations with proper data interpretation involving airborne concentrations compared to referenced Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) and specifically MSHA requirements as published PELs for facility compliance as investigated for this field site project.
none
Acknowledgements & References
Client EHSS group personnel from company,
Poster Presenter
Ms Jan Koehn, CIH, Jan Koehn, M.S., CIH, Inc. Houston, TX
USA
The ACGIH TLV Committees have increasingly called for the use of the inhalable fraction for particulate sampling. While these calls are supported by academic evidence, there is a growing body of evidence that the limitations of the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) sampler need to be considered; particularly when inertially driven particles are present. Presented in this poster are real-world results using IOM and Button Aerosol Samplers (BAS, or "button") across several industries with observations from both field and laboratory personnel. In this poster, we will review paired data sets between samplers and between O-ring materials. Through this, we will highlight limitations of these samplers including considerations for triboelectric charge and alternative approaches to results interpretation.
M. Allegrezza, Liberty Mutual, Hopkinton, MA, USA
L. Flack, Liberty Mutual, Birmingham, AL, USA
C. Cherniss, Liberty Mutual, San Antonio, TX, USA
J. Gould, Liberty Mutual, Chicago, IL, USA
Acknowledgements & References
None
Poster Presenter
Robert Agnew, PhD, CIH, CSP, FAIHA, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group Stillwater, OK
United States of America
Inhalation dosimetry is used to model how airborne contaminants interact with, deposit in, and become absorbed systematically through the respiratory system, providing a link between external exposure and internal dose. Inhalation dosimetry models are commonly used for the derivation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) but also have applications of relevance to OEHS practitioners, such as informing exposure assessment strategies. This poster presents a case study where the application of inhalation dosimetry can be used to characterize mixed-phase (vapor and aerosol) exposures to a workplace disinfectant. For certain chemicals, traditional sampling and analytical methods capture only the vapor phase, while OELs are based on combined vapor and aerosol exposures. Using a common inhalation dosimetry tool, the multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model, regional lung deposition of aerosol particles was simulated and combined with measured vapor data to estimate total internal dose. Results demonstrate that exposures may be judged acceptable when considering vapor exposures alone, but exceed the OEL once aerosol exposure is incorporated. This case study demonstrates how inhalation dosimetry provides a more comprehensive and biologically relevant basis for risk characterization, enabling OEHS professionals to refine sampling strategies, assess control needs, and communicate risk more effectively.
J. Lotter, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Chicago, IL, USA
A. Maier, Integral Consulting Inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Corey Boles, PhD, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group Spring Hope, NC
In recent years, EPA has released several risk evaluations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) covering both consumer and worker exposures and associated risks. EPA has used various sources of exposure data and modeling approaches to characterize these exposures. In some instances, EPA has selected point values from the exposure data to describe exposures rather than using statistical tools to characterize the exposure profile. As a demonstration of the potential application of such statistical tools in enhancing EPA Risk Evaluations for prospective exposure assessments, we present a case study using Expostats with the available consumer and occupational data on exposures associated with vermiculite attic insulation. Vermiculite attic insulation that was historically sourced from the Libby, Montana, vermiculite mine may contain asbestiform amphibole minerals. Homeowners and contractors may continue to be exposed to these amphiboles during disturbance of existing attic insulation. EPA has previously evaluated exposures associated with vermiculite attic insulation under TSCA but relied upon selected exposure values from a single published study. We supplement this exposure dataset with additional published exposure data and perform statistical analysis on the full dataset to update cancer risk estimates and calculate the probability that exposures would exceed the OSHA PEL of 0.1 f/cc and that cumulative exposure would exceed a working lifetime at the OSHA PEL.
J. Lotter, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Boulder, CO, USA
B. Roberts, Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
S. Zentner, Benchmark Risk Group, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Neva Jacobs, Stantec Washington, DC
USA
Heat-related mortality is a persistent and growing occupational health problem, and Louisiana had the fourth highest occupational heat-related fatality rate in the United States between 2017-2022. This study presents the results of a detailed investigation of how a sugarcane worker died from exertional heatstroke and concludes with recommendations about how this death could have been prevented.
none
Acknowledgements & References
none
Poster Presenter
Daniel Harrington, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans New Orleans, LA
USA
Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical to defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing, and U.S. mining, processing, and production are projected to expand in response to market demands and national security priorities. These activities present occupational health and safety challenges across the lifecycle that remain incompletely characterized. International operations have documented toxicological and radiological concerns, yet few exposure limits, toxicological benchmarks, or regulatory standards exist to guide safe practices.
This poster presents a narrative review of occupational health and safety information related to REE mining, processing, and production. Available data on hazards, exposure pathways, and regulatory frameworks are synthesized, with emphasis on critical data gaps. The review proposes a framework and key metrics to evaluate risks, prioritizing gaps by factors such as toxicity, production volumes, and exposure potential. Occupational exposure banding and related approaches are highlighted as practical strategies to inform worker protection until comprehensive guidance and standards are established.
C. Boles, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Raleigh, NC, USA
S. Brown, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Mountain View, CA, USA
M. Henry, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Boulder, CO, USA
S. Dotson, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Cincinnati, OH, USA
J. Sahmel, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group, Boulder, CO, USA
Acknowledgements & References
None
Poster Presenter
Therese Kondash, Insight Exposure & Risk Sciences Group Boulder, CO
USA
Synthetic antioxidants (SAs), such as synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs), amine antioxidants (AAs), and organophosphate antioxidants (OPAs), are widely used in consumer products like plastics, textiles, and personal care items to prevent oxidative damage. However, these substances and their products, including BHT-quinone (BHT-Q) and 6-PPD-quinone (6-PPD-Q), have been associated with health issues like endocrine disruption, liver toxicity, and DNA damage. Employees in retail and office environments may be exposed to SAs by breathing indoor air and coming into contact with dust, where these chemicals tend to accumulate. Since people spend many hours at work and activities such as cleaning can disturb dust, it is important to understand how SAs in air and dust relate to each other to better assess exposure risks and enhance indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in workplaces.
S. Tsai, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Acknowledgements & References
NSTC 114-2314-B-002-109
Poster Presenter
Zih Han Lin, National Taiwan University Insitute of Environmental and Occupational Health Science Taipei, None
TWN
Stability study of Vinyl chloride. Method modification for NIOSH 1007.
K.Eames, SGS Galson, East Syracuse,NY USA. D. MacDuff, SGS Galson, East Syracuse, NY. USA K.Gray, SGS Galson, East Syracuse, NY USA
Acknowledgements & References
K.Eames, East Syracuse, NY -data collection and analysis
M. Hermann, East Syracuse, NY - data collection and analysis, sample preparation
M. Nebel, East Sryacuse, NY - data approval
D. MacDuff, East Syracuse, NY - QA approval
D. Dunn, East Syracuse, NY - standards preparation
Poster Presenter
Kelly Gambino, SGS Galson Laboratories, Inc. East Syracuse, NY
United States of America