The world is undergoing a major transition toward cleaner energy technologies, which rely on the supply of “critical minerals,” including rare earth elements. As with any major economic transition that depends on the manufacture of new products, the extraction and processing of raw materials presents a new mix of hazards.

How can museums safely identify, assess, and manage toxins lurking in their collections when they lack the necessary knowledge and resources? More importantly, if museum workers lack this training, how can they ensure the safe return of ancestors and objects to Indigenous communities in accordance with recently revised Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act regulations?

Despite their distinct emphases, AIHA and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) recognize the interconnectedness of industrial hygiene and safety disciplines. The collaboration between these organizations is instrumental in fostering a holistic approach to workplace health and safety.