AIHA University Webinar: An Introduction to Harmful Algal Blooms for EHS Professionals

Earn 1 Contact Hour

Member $99 | Nonmember $130 | Student $25

Harmful algal blooms are the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria in water that can harm people, animals, or the environment. Workers going in or near water with a harmful algal bloom are at risk of illness. Many different types of algae can cause harmful algal blooms. However, three types —cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, and diatoms—cause most blooms that make people and animals sick. They are often difficult to recognize. Workers going in or near water with a harmful algal bloom are at risk of illness.

Harmful algal blooms occur across the world. In the United States, they have been reported in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Workers in a wide variety of occupations may come in contact with algal blooms. This webinar will provide strategies for avoiding exposures to the harmful agents encountered in algal blooms.

Learning Objectives

After this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify algal blooms, including the species and conditions most likely to cause them.
• Understand the health effects and toxicity of algal blooms and exposure scenarios that may lead to worker overexposure.
• Recognize the symptoms of exposure and potential health hazards associated with algal blooms.
• Implement controls for potential exposures to workers.
• Understand the post-exposure protocols in case a worker comes into contact with an algal bloom.
• Understand the importance of recordkeeping requirements.

Presenter

Michael Goldman CIH, CSP, MPH
Michael has over 30 years of experience in environmental health and safety, and he has experienced and mitigated a wide range of natural and business induced hazards and regulatory violations across the United States and Canada. His expertise ranges from manufacturing and construction operations, solid and hazardous waste transport and management, remediation of Superfund sites, auditing, and gap analysis, plus setting up OSHA, EPA and DOT compliant management systems and training programs. Michael is also certified as a Board-Certified Entomologist through the Entomological Society of America and has master’s degree in both Public Health and Entomology. Additionally, Michael is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician.

**This live event will be administered in our LMS through zoom webinar. Please view our FAQ for additional information.**