AIHA Launches Formaldehyde Resource Center
AIHA launched a new Formaldehyde Resource Center on April 22 in response to growing concern regarding overexposure to formaldehyde in laminate wood flooring and other products found in homes. The AIHA Formaldehyde Resource Center serves as a hub of information related to formaldehyde, including frequently asked questions; tips on finding an industrial hygienist to conduct sampling, arrange for proper testing, and develop approaches to reduce risks from formaldehyde exposure; and other additional resources. “AIHA has responded to numerous requests from consumers concerning press reports of formaldehyde in pressed wood products with the Formaldehyde Resource Center,” said Donald Weekes, CIH, CSP, FAIHA, member of the AIHA Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Committee. “The Q&A section provides consumers with expert and well-written answers to many of the questions that are concerning to homeowners and others about the potential of formaldehyde in pressed wood products,” said Weekes. “The AIHA Formaldehyde Resource Center helps consumers to make well-informed decisions about the next steps to take to address this issue.”
 
 
AIHA’s Career and Employment Services Committee Offers Resume Advice Many industrial hygiene professionals struggle with updating their resumes and formatting them effectively. When looking for a new career opportunity, how do you use your resume to get noticed? AIHA’s Career and Employment Services Committee can help. Representing a diverse cross-section of the profession, CES Committee members volunteer their time to help both students and professional IHs with career development. The committee provides resume review and critiquing, assistance with job interviewing skills, job search opportunities, and seminars focused on career development and personal “soft skill” development. CES members are available year-round to assist you with your resume and career advice, including a focused effort at AIHce each year to support all IH professionals attending the conference. Following are some tips from the CES Committee for developing your resume:
  • When developing your resume, sometimes less is more. Highlight your key professional skills and experience without listing every daily task that you complete.
  • What skills set you apart from others? Know the audience that will be reviewing your resume and understand that a single format may not fit all situations. Your resume must include verbiage containing the key skills and experience that the prospective employer is seeking.
  • Always remember that your resume is the first impression that the employer will have of you.
AIHA’s free online job board CareerAdvantage connects IH and OEHS professionals with employers who have positions to fill across all industries.
 
 
Call for New AIHA-LAP, LLC Volunteers AIHA-LAP, LLC is seeking qualified volunteers to fill positions on the Analytical Accreditation Board (AAB) and the Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) to serve terms beginning in March 2016. The AAB is responsible for approving laboratories for accreditation and reaccreditation once site assessments are conducted. AAB members are also responsible for approving policy changes and participating on ad hoc task forces formed to address certain policy matters that may arise. TAP members advise the staff and AAB on technical laboratory matters and review accreditation packages for the major programs: industrial hygiene, environmental lead, environmental microbiology, food, and unique scopes. Newly appointed volunteers will be required to attend the LLC’s annual training and orientation meeting in the first quarter of 2016. AAB and TAP applications are available on the AIHA-LAP, LLC website. All applications must be submitted by July 30, 2015. For additional information, please contact AIHA-LAP Managing Director Cheryl O. Morton at cmorton@aiha.org or (703) 846-0789.
 
 
Call for Public Comments on Proposed ERPGs for Titanium Tetrachloride
The Emergency Response Planning (ERP) Committee of the AIHA Guideline Foundation (AGF) has proposed values for Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPGs) for titanium tetrachloride. The ERP Committee develops ERPGs for responding to potential releases of airborne substances for use in community emergency planning. View the proposed ERPGs for titanium tetrachloride on the AIHA website. The ERP Committee welcomes comments and suggestions of additional references or resources that could be provided for consideration. The public comment period ends on June 21, 2015. Comments should be sent to AGF and addressed to Laurie Mutdosch via e-mail or regular mail: AIHA Guideline Foundation, 3141 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 777, Falls Church, VA 22042.
 
 
Gulf Coast AIHA Supports Science Engineering Fair in Texas In February, 21 members of the Gulf Coast AIHA Local Section and Student Chapter participated as judges for the 56th Science Engineering Fair at the University of Houston campus in Houston, Texas, for three categories: engineering, environmental, and health/medicine. Following are the judges’ “1st Choice” selections from each category:
  • Engineering Division: “Particle Enhancement for Stronger Cement” by Michael Bohnet
  • Health/Medicine Division: “Identification of Apatamer Bioconjugates (A Novel Approach to Targeted Cancer Drug Delivery)” by Akshaya Annapragada
  • Environmental Division: “Membrane Free Distillation II” by Zoha Kahn
Each selectee was awarded a letter of recognition and a $150 gift card. The Gulf Coast section extended an invitation to each student to attend an upcoming meeting and share a brief overview of their winning presentation with the general membership.
 

News & Notes
AIHA Accolades
AIHA member Maurice Baum received the United Nations Golden Rule International Award, which recognizes his trust, dignity, and impact on his community. The award also recognizes Baum’s humanitarian leadership, which has improved others’ quality of life. Golden Rule International is affiliated with the Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative Organization, Department of Public Information of United Nations. Clarkson University awarded AIHA member Alan Rossner its Distinguished Teaching Award “in recognition of the importance of superior teaching.” Rossner is associate professor and director of undergraduate programs in environmental health science and environmental science and policy in Clarkson University’s Institute for a Sustainable Environment. He was named an AIHA Fellow in 2013.
 
AIHA Opposes “Future Logging Careers Act”
In April, AIHA submitted a letter of opposition to legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho). H.R. 1215, the “Future Logging Careers Act,” would allow 16- and 17-year-old employees working in logging and mechanized operations to be exempt from child labor laws if they are employed by a parent or person standing in place of a parent who owns the business. AIHA also submitted a letter in opposition to the companion measure introduced in the Senate, S 694. AIHA expresses concern that injuries and fatalities resulting from this proposed legislation may outweigh any of the positive economic gains. See AIHA’s press release for more information.
 
In Memoriam Charles McJilton, PhD, CIH, passed away in St. Paul, Minn., on April 4, 2015. He was 84. McJilton was active in AIHA at the national level and within the Upper Midwest Local Section. He was certified in comprehensive industrial hygiene practice and air pollution aspects for 40 years, and published more than 20 papers in peer-reviewed journals. Read more on the AIHA website. 
 
Reminder: Next Synergist Issue This month’s Synergist is a combined issue for the months of June and July. AIHA members and Synergist subscribers will not receive a new issue in July. The next new issue of the magazine will be delivered in August. The Synergist team wishes you a wonderful summer! Dates and Deadlines September 15-16
The first China-U.S. Occupational Health Symposia, “Exploring Challenges and Opportunities in Occupational Health,” will be held in Shanghai, China.
 
September 21-25
Comprehensive Industrial Hygiene Review course in Ann Arbor, Mich.
 
October 26-27
AIHA Fall Conference in Orlando, Fla.
 
October 26–28 Exposure and Chemical Monitoring – Beyond IH Fundamentals course in Westerville, Ohio. For a complete list of events, visit the AIHA website.

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