Explain the IH Coursework requirement. During what period must the courses be taken under the new “IH coursework” qualifications?
ANSWER. The Board requires applicants to document completion of 180 academic contact hours or 240 continuing education contact hours of specific industrial hygiene courses. At least half of the required coursework (90 academic or 120 continuing education contact hours) must cover the broad subjects of industrial hygiene toxicology, fundamentals of industrial hygiene, measurements and controls. Acceptable toxicology courses will cover the essential aspects of toxicology (adverse effects of chemicals on living systems) with an emphasis on humans. Topics covered are likely to include dose response relationships; absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of toxic substances in the body; biotransformation; organ systems; chemical carcinogenesis & mutagenesis; etc. Fundamentals courses are likely to address recognizing hazards/stressors found in the work environment. This includes chemical, physical (noise, radiation, thermal), biological and ergonomic stressors. Measurement courses
