FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. SPR-08-505-01
Carol Tobin, AIHA Meetings and Education
(703) 846-0745; ctobin@aiha.org
Melissa Hurley, AIHA Communications
(703) 846-0740; mhurley@aiha.org
AIHce 2008: It’s All Happening at the Expo
FAIRFAX, VA (May 5, 2008) — The American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce) offers a one-stop opportunity to learn more about the latest in occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) technology, products, services, and more. The Expo will be the focal point of AIHce at the Minneapolis Convention Center, May 31–June 5, 2008. In addition to the exhibits and educational opportunities, the Expo is a great place to network. Expo hours are 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Monday, June 2; 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Tuesday, June 3; and 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 4.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) cosponsor AIHce.
Creating IMPACT at AIHce
AIHA’s Health Care Working Group and the Ergonomics Committee have teamed up to provide an interactive display on the Expo floor. IMPACT: Interactive Movement of Patient Assistive Care Techniques will feature a full-scale mock-up of a patient room equipped with an overhead ceiling lift and other assistive transfer devices. OEHS professionals who regularly use this equipment will be on hand to demonstrate this equipment and to answer questions during scheduled demonstrations. The exhibit will showcase the ways in which good ergonomics can impact facilities that are not necessarily in the health care field.
Before Their Time
Although numerous organizations work tirelessly to improve conditions for children, there are still 320 million children under the age of 16 working around the world. The book Before Their Time: The World of Child Labor goes beyond the headlines and into the textile factories, stone quarries, and garbage dumps where children are forced into the desperate cycle of child labor. It could be the most comprehensive examination of child labor since Lewis Hine photographed working children more than 100 years ago.
An exhibit of photos from the book will be on display in the Expo. The medical epidemiologist, photographer, and author, David L. Parker, will take part in a book signing Monday, June 2, at 10 a.m. in the AIHA booth. Parker, an acclaimed advocate on behalf of children’s human rights, is currently affiliated with the University of Minnesota.
Expanded Drug Lab Exhibit
AIHA once again will display a mock clandestine drug lab. For the past few years, the lab displayed the household implements and chemicals commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine. Industrial hygienists (IHs) who test meth lab sites for contamination and recommend cleanup procedures will be on hand to educate other IHs on the proper assessment of health and safety risks from these labs. A press conference is scheduled Tuesday, June 3, at 10 a.m.
The mock drug lab has been expanded to include a photo display and information on other kinds of clandestine drug labs that may be encountered by IHs. Additional information will be provided on the health and safety issues presented by marijuana grow houses, as well as ecstasy and PCP manufacturing labs, among others. Local first responders have been invited to attend the mock drug lab again to learn how to better protect themselves when investigating suspected lab sites. The mock lab will be open during regular Expo hours.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Field Evaluations and Response Vehicle
The vision for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NIOSH Field Evaluations and Response Vehicle was brought to life as a result of NIOSH investigators’ responses to both the World Trade Center disaster and the anthrax attacks of 2001. Reflecting on these events, NIOSH investigators envisioned a mobile vehicle that could serve several essential field functions: an on-site base of operations, an improved method of shipping equipment to the work site, and a means for on-site materials organization. The vehicle will be stationed on the Expo floor.
Luncheon Discussions
Back by popular demand, AIHce Luncheon Discussions will take place each day in the Expo hall, focusing on current issues, trends, relevant topics, and research. Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch and ideas. Seating is limited and available first-come, first-served. Monday’s discussion will focus on student and early career professionals and takes place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. On Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., the discussion will be a NIOSH Emerging Issues/Current Trends Exchange. And Wednesday, AIHA member volunteers will offer “Tech Talks” from noon to 1 p.m.
Don’t Miss Out
Every day, the Expo will feature prize drawings (the AIHA booth alone will give away a registration to AIHce 2009, $250, and other valuable prizes), two combined Message Center/Cyber Cafes, and a variety of lounges where attendees can relax and network. Conference-goers should check out the AIHA booth, with newly released publications, information on volunteer opportunities, member benefits, and more.
For more information about AIHce 2008, including exhibitor information, schedule of professional development courses, and education sessions, visit the completely revamped AIHce website at www.aihce2008.org. On-site registration begins Friday, May 30, at 4 p.m. Do not miss AIHce 2008. Be there for the unveiling of the results of the landmark value of the profession study.
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NOTE: Qualified editorial representatives are invited to attend AIHce free of charge. Members of the press can contact Melissa Hurley at (703) 846-0740 or mhurley@aiha.org for further information.
Founded in 1939, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) is the premier association of occupational and environmental health and safety professionals. AIHA’s 10,600 members play a crucial role on the front line of worker health and safety every day. Members represent a cross-section of industry, private business, labor, government, and academia. For more information, go to www.aiha.org.