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SynergistNOW
Currently featured in the October 2026 Synergist
Managing the Health Risks of Musicians
A New Frontier for Industrial Hygienists
A collaboration at Johns Hopkins University has led to the launch of Total Musician Health (TMH), a sector-specific extension of the NIOSH Total Worker Health initiative. TMH embeds hearing risk and other health outcomes within a broader system of biological, psychological, behavioral, and environmental influences.
A Necessary Control
Establishing a Formal PPE Management Program
The failure to recognize PPE as a necessary control and implement an effective PPE management program can result in serious workplace injuries or illnesses. This article discusses the major elements of such a program, real-world gaps that may need to be addressed, and an emerging risk—supply chain disruption.
Start Your Modeling Journey
Advice, and a Plea, From the 2026 Donald E. Cummings Memorial Award Recipient
Since the 1970s, Mike Jayjock has helped develop key resources on exposure and risk assessment, authored more than 40 peer-reviewed articles, served on numerous government panels, worked extensively with AIHA volunteer groups, and been a vocal proponent of modeling in OEHS practice. This article continues his advocacy on behalf of modeling.
Features from the September 2026 Synergist
A Critical Weakness
Understanding Category A Waste
Category A (Cat-A) waste has the potential to significantly disrupt healthcare facility operations. IHs and OEHS professionals can help mitigate the impacts of Cat-A waste on healthcare facilities as part of their role in high-consequence infectious disease response.
Near Zero
Using Direct-Reading Instruments for ACGIH 20 ppb Benzene TWA Decisions
In 2024, ACGIH substantially lowered its Threshold Limit Value time-weighted average for benzene from 0.5 ppm to 0.02 ppm, equivalent to 20 ppb. This change places the occupational benchmark in the very low ppb range where many portable direct-reading instruments approach their detection and quantitation limits.
Don't Overlook the Small Stuff
The Health Effects of Ultrafine Particulate Matter
Ultrafine particulate matter, or UFP, are generally understood as particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 0.1 micrometer (100 nanometers). UFP have great potential to cause adverse health effects, such as oxidative stress and inflammation as well as respiratory and cardiovascular effects, but their precise role in many illnesses calls for more research.