Colden will be exhibiting and presenting at the AIHA Connect 2026 conference at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana beginning on Monday, June 1st and concluding on Wednesday, June 3rd. In attendance will be Jim Miades, CIH, Shannon Magari, ScD, MS, MPH, Michele Shepard, PhD, MS, CIH, Clint Smith, MS, CIH, CSP, Chris Wesley, CIH, Greg Richey, MS, CIH, CSP, AIHA Fellow, and Chrisy Walsh, MS, CIH, CSP.
Chris Wesley, CIH will present “Air Sampling for Combustion Products” on Tuesday, June 2nd at 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM CDT. This presentation will discuss sampling strategies and present case-study data for evaluating airborne exposures to combustion products. Examples include thermal decomposition of plastics and other materials during manufacturing, welding fume, smoke from wildland and structural fires, and internal combustion engine exhaust (diesel and gasoline).
This session will present approaches to selecting sentinel agents for sampling based on review of safety data sheets and thermal decomposition chemistry, and availability of exposure limits and analysis methods. A strategy is needed to narrow focus on the most important agents among the large number of chemicals typically produced during combustion.
Greg Richey, MS, CIH, CSP, AIHA Fellow, will present as part of a Research Roundup session on exposure assessment at AIHA Connect 2026. His presentation, titled “Metal Exposures in Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing” will take place on Tuesday, June 2nd at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CDT. This session will explore how metal additive manufacturing is transforming industry but introduces unique occupational health risks. Although the laser powder bed fusion process is enclosed, exposures can occur during powder handling, cleaning, and post-processing.
A case study will examine three industrial hygiene evaluations at facilities using nickel, cobalt, chromium, and titanium-based alloys. Personal and area air monitoring, metal profiling, and particulate logging were performed under worst-case conditions. At one facility, exposures were below OSHA limits, but nickel exceeded ACGIH thresholds for technicians who vacuumed parts and machines during the workday. At a second facility, a technician performing hand‑sieving activities exceeded OELs for nickel, cobalt, and iron. Key lessons emphasize the impact of work practices, the effectiveness of HVAC filtration, and the importance of respiratory protection in controlling risk and safeguarding worker health.
For those attending the event, we hope to see you at our sessions and welcome you to stop by Colden’s booth #1401 as we mark our 30th year serving clients with practical, innovative health, safety, and environmental solutions.
For more info or to register, visit: https://aihaconnect.org/
