AIHA University Webinar: Controlling Silica Exposure in Stone Countertop Fabrication & Installation

Earn 1 Contact Hour

Member $99 | Nonmember $130 | Student $25 

Silicosis outbreaks among stone countertop workers have raised serious concerns worldwide, especially with the growing use of engineered stone that contains high levels of crystalline silica. This webinar will present recent NIOSH research on assessing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure and implementing effective controls. NIOSH engineers from the Division of Field Studies and Engineering will share insights from both field and laboratory studies, address common misconceptions about engineering controls, and provide practical strategies to protect workers in the stone countertop industry.

Join us to learn evidence-based approaches that can help reduce RCS exposure and prevent silicosis in your workplace.

Learning Objectives
After this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify major factors contributing to respirable crystalline silica exposure in stone countertop fabrication and installation.
• Discuss common misconceptions about the effectiveness of engineering controls.
• Outline specific measures to reduce silica exposure using the hierarchy of controls.
• Describe two proven engineering control methods for minimizing silica exposure during fabrication.

Presenters

Chaolong Qi, PhD, PE, CIH, COR-I
Chaolong Qi is a Commander (CDR) in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and an Engineering Consultant in the Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At NIOSH, he has been leading multiple national research projects developing scientific instruments and engineering solutions to protect vulnerable workers against workplace health hazards. CDR Qi obtained his PhD degree in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Washington University in St Louis and received a postdoctoral training on Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota before joining NIOSH in 2008. He has published 48 peer-reviewed journal articles and 29 government reports. He also holds two U.S. patents, both of which are licensed by leading manufacturers of aerosol instruments, and one was awarded the NASA Space Act Award and R&D100 Award.  

Drew Thompson, PhD
Drew Thompson is a Research General Engineer at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Cincinnati, Ohio. At NIOSH, Drew conducts research on the control of crystalline silica exposures during stone countertop fabrication, the characterization of crystalline silica dust collectors used in the construction sector, and the evaluation of do-it-yourself air cleaners used in congregate settings. Drew obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

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