2016 AIHce Presentations

 

On May 21, 2016, a 1-day Professional Development Course (PDC) was made at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exhibition in Baltimore, MD.  The presentation entitled "Global Occupational Health Concerns in Developing Countries: A Partner for Social Justice" discussed some of the pressing issues for workers, public and nearby community, and the environment. The presentation discussed issues related to brick kilns, agate industry refining precious stones, surface and underground mining and mineraology, manufacturing and processing ore and other commodities, etc. Governmental policy and lack of enforcement as well as the economic and social impact of health issues appear to be driving costs higher for goods and services. Where applicable insurance and healthcare costs are rising as the population density rises in economically depressed countries. This presentation described global impact across all spectrums of society and the stigma associated with working certain less desirable jobs in order to support themselves and their families. Some of the likely outcomes may be debilitating health conditions or certain death from exposure to heavy metals, crystaline silica, and other toxic contaminants. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This presentation was presented by Bernard L Fontaine, Jr;, CIH, CSP, FAIHA at the 2016 American Industrial Hygiene Association Conference and Exhibition in Baltimore, MD. Support for the project was given by Workplace Health Without Borders and the AIHA International Affairs Committee.The presentation highlights the occupational, public, and environmental health hazards associated with the rudimentary dismantling of televisions, computers. and a mirade of other electronics discarded to salvage the metal components for resale. Workers and their families sometimes live in the e-waste piles (China) so that they can work continuously to earn a meager wage to support themselves and their families.

 

These workers don't understand the health hazards associated with air emissions to heavy metals and the decomposition of plastics in the open burning process. They don't use respirators or other forms of personal protective equipment, have access to medical surveillance programs, or wash their hands and face before eating and drinking. Air quality is poor and land masses as well as soil, crops, groundwater and surface waters are contaminated. Animals grazing in the e-waste piles become sick and die. Many people have respiratory problems and other ailments associated with salvaging process. Much can be done to reduce and/or eliminate the hazard and risk associated with these work practices. Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB) is trying to collaborate with business partners, corporate sponsors, and other stakeholders to address this huge problem.

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