The Key Role of Industrial Hygienists in Restoration: A Discussion with Dr. Alex LeBeau

In this episode of Ask the Expert, we are joined by industry expert Dr. Alex LeBeau, PhD, MPH, CIH, and owner of Exposure Consulting in Orlando, Florida. Dr. LeBeau is renowned for his expertise in toxicology, industrial hygiene, and risk assessment. He also hosts The Exposure Scientist podcast, where he delves into various topics related to his field.

Dr. LeBeau brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion, drawing from his extensive background and leadership roles, including serving as the former chair of the AIHA indoor environmental quality committee. His passion for ensuring safe and effective practices in restoration and remediation shines through as we explore the vital contributions of industrial hygienists.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Evolving Protections in Restoration: Dr. LeBeau explains how industrial hygienists have evolved their protections during restoration and remediation activities to meet 21st-century needs for community settings and indoor air quality.

2. Historical Context and Modern Adaptations: We dive into the historical contexts of industrial hygiene and how the profession has adapted to modern-day challenges within the built environment.

3. Applying Anticipation, Recognition, Evaluation and Control: Learn how industrial hygienists apply these principles to address human health concerns related to biological and chemical substance exposure during remediation.

4. Hidden Dangers in Disaster Response: Dr. LeBeau highlights the key hidden dangers that should be considered when responding to disaster events and how proper planning can ensure all potentially hazardous conditions are addressed.

5. Importance of Antimicrobials and Air Cleaning Devices: Understand when to use antimicrobials within built environments and how industrial hygienists evaluate the efficacy and potential hazards of air cleaning devices.

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6. Selecting Appropriate PPE: Discover how restoration professionals can select the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure compliance and proper training for safe use, especially in atypical work conditions.

Tune into this episode to gain valuable insights from Dr. Alex LeBeau and understand the crucial role of industrial hygienists in safeguarding health and ensuring successful restoration and remediation projects.

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KEYWORDS: environmental hazards indoor air quality

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Kayla McGowan is the SPAR Partner Manager for PuroClean, where she manages and strengthens the company’s vendor partnership ecosystem. In her role, she serves as a key liaison between PuroClean, approved vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and Franchise Owners, helping connect the network with trusted tools, services, and products that support operational success.

With more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the restoration and cleaning industry, Kayla has built her career around connecting people, ideas, and resources that move the industry forward. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine and continues to contribute to R&R as a writer, bringing her industry knowledge and perspective to its audience.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and an M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Restoration Industry Association’s Marketing Committee.

Her industry credentials include Microbial Warrior®️, Certified Forensic Operator®️, and High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist™️. Passionate about elevating the restoration industry and the professionals within it, Kayla enjoys building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Outside of work, she is a food lover who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.