December Joint Technical Meeting – Industrial Hygiene and Indoor Air Quality: Protecting Health in the Built Environment

Join us for a special joint session hosted at California State University, Fullerton, bringing together members from the Orange County Chapter of ASSP, the Orange County Section of AIHA, and our OCASSP Student Section.

In this collaborative meeting, Scott Brehmer, MPH, CIH, CSP, CFPS, will deliver an engaging presentation on Industrial Hygiene and Indoor Air Quality: Protecting Health in the Built Environment.

Following the presentation, we’ll hold interactive roundtable discussions designed to connect industry professionals with student members. This is a great opportunity to share insights, mentorship, and career guidance — and to stay connected with the future of our profession.

Title:  Industrial Hygiene and Indoor Air Quality: Protecting Health in the Built Environment

Abstract:  Most people spend the majority of their lives indoors—whether in workplaces, schools, or homes—making indoor air quality (IAQ) a critical factor in human health, comfort, and productivity. Poor IAQ can cause acute effects such as headaches, respiratory irritation, and fatigue, as well as long-term conditions including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and sensitization. This presentation will:

• Introduce the fundamentals of IAQ, with emphasis on building design, ventilation, and maintenance.
• Identify common indoor air contaminants—such as volatile organic compounds, particulates, carbon dioxide, and biological agents—and their typical sources.
• Demonstrate investigation techniques used by industrial hygienists, including occupant interviews, walkthrough assessments, direct-reading instruments, air sampling, and laboratory analysis.

Case studies will highlight real-world scenarios that illustrate both the complexity of IAQ challenges, and the strategies used to resolve them. Attendees will leave with practical insight into evaluating indoor environments and a stronger framework for applying industrial hygiene principles to protect health where people live, learn, and work.

Speaker:

Scott Brehmer, MPH, CIH, CSP, CFPS

Scott Brehmer is a Principal at Citadel EHS.  He has over 20 years of experience as a health and safety consultant.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UCLA and a Masters degree in Public Health from Loma Linda University. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional, and Certified Fire Protection Specialist.

CSUF ASSP Student Section Meeting Room (KHS 104) rev