industrial hygenist

Speaker: Victoria Askew

History of Industrial Hygiene

• Founded in 1914

  • Started with MDs associated with Harvard

  • Observed coal miners with similar symptoms → Black lung disease

• WWI Era:

  • Young females working in watch factories using radium paint on dials

  • Developed incurable bone cancer due to radium exposure

• 1930s:

  • Became a section of the American Public Health Association (APHA)

  • Established as a formal profession with training and certification

Definition of Industrial Hygiene

“The science of protecting and enhancing the health and safety of people at work and in their communities.”

• Covers a wide range of chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic stressors

• Industrial hygienists focus on anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards

Responsibilities of Industrial Hygienists

• Conduct air sampling & noise measurements

  • Assess employee exposure in various work environments

  • Identify harmful chemicals affecting worker health

  • Work with toxicologists and epidemiologists for exposure limits

• Prevent occupational health hazards

  • Neurological disorders caused by airborne toxins

  • Hearing loss prevention (e.g., exposure to high noise levels like Dallas Cowboys stadium levels)

• Industries & Workplaces

  • Manufacturing: plastics, chemicals, large aircraft wings, small aircraft repair

  • Construction, schools, universities, offices, medical facilities

  • Oil & gas, mining, refineries, slaughterhouses

• Specialty Areas

  • Radiation & Radioactive Isotopes: Industrial hygienists may work with cancer treatment research and radiation-producing equipment

  • Disaster Response:

    • During hurricanes, worked to evaluate oil/chemical spills in New Orleans & Houston

  • Expert Witness Work:

    • Industrial hygienists may provide legal testimony in chemical exposure claims

• Use of Equipment

  • Noise Testing: Small red box with internal electronics to measure sound pressure

  • Air Sampling: Devices clipped near the nose/mouth collect particulates (dust, coal, etc.)

  • Data Analysis: Compare results with OSHA standards or ACGIH guidelines (more current research)

Ventilation & Hazard Control

• Types of Ventilation

  • Exhaust Ventilation → Direct removal of chemicals

  • Dilution Ventilation → Less effective for chemical removal

• Respirators & PPE

  • Extensive testing is required before approval

  • Hearing Protection is recommended in noisy environments

• Reporting & Documentation

  • Findings are compiled into detailed reports for compliance and safety improvements

  • Continuous updates with new research and technologies

Training & Certification Path

Becoming a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

1. Education:

   • Degree in chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, engineering, or an Industrial Hygiene program

2. Work Experience:

   • 4 years in the field before qualifying for the CIH exam

3. Certification Exam:

   • Comprehensive and rigorous → Most never want to take it again

   • Includes ergonomics and management concepts

4. Continuing Education:

   • CIH certification requires renewal every 5 years

   • Earn points through work experience, training, or college classes

Additional Certifications

• Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE)

• Professional Engineer (PE)

• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

• Master of Public Health (MPH)

• Law Degrees (JD) for specialized legal work

Job Overlap with Other Fields

• Industrial Hygiene & OSHA: Work together to enforce workplace safety laws

• Safety & Environmental Fields: Industrial hygienists often take on safety responsibilities

Salary & Job Outlook

• 2017 OSHA Salary Guide:

  • Average: $97,000 per year

  • Highest: $168,000 per year

• 2024 Professional Organization Survey

  • 71% of respondents had a Master’s or PhD

  • 30% were over age 55, and 34% had 26+ years of experience

  • Starting salaries (U.S.): $43,000–$48,000 (varies by location)

  • Highest salaries in California

  • Average total compensation: $134,000–$150,000 per year

Emerging Issues in Industrial Hygiene

• New Chemical Exposures & Research

  • Black lung disease → Cases worsening due to coal & silica exposure

  • Clays & sand → Silica exposure linked to lung cancer

  • Synergistic effect between coal & silica → Making cases worse than before

• Advancements in Lab Testing & Technology

  • Better methods for detecting hazardous materials

  • Improved ventilation and safety protocols

Q&A Section

Certification Requirements

• 4 years of work experience

• Continuing education courses required for renewal

Identifying Hazardous Materials

• Filtered Paper Tests: Detect metals like lead, mercury, etc.

• Charcoal Tubes: Used to capture organic chemicals

• Other Specialized Tubes: Different packing for detecting various hazardous substances