Course Description:
Recorded at AIHce EXP 2023
Managing occupational exposures to hazards associated with rare earth element (REE) mining will require increased attention due to the growing global market. The United States and Canada have identified REEs as critical minerals essential to economic security and transition to a clean energy economy. The early assessment of risks, and adoption of best practices to limit harmful exposures, will help contribute to the safe and responsible extraction of REEs in North America. This education session will focus on: a) risk assessments for exposures to rare earth elements; and b) ionizing radiation in mining operations. Novel approaches are required due to the lack of published occupational exposure limits (OELs) for REE, and outdated legislative limits for ionizing radiation in mining regulations. Topics to be presented are: 1) literature reviews on assessment strategies for airborne REE dust, and ionizing radiation; 2) recommended exposure assessment strategies; 3) guidance standards; 4) assumptions and limitations of the standards and assessment strategies; and 5) sharing of experiences from conducting baseline REE risk assessments.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Design a risk assessment strategy for REE exposure on a mine site.
• Discuss the associated assumptions and limitations of the strategy.
• Outline a strategy for ionizing radiation exposure on a mine site.
• Examine appropriate standards for ionizing radiation in the REE mining industry.
• Identify the gaps in applicable legislation for controlling REE worker exposure.
• Summarize the toxicology data on the rare earth elements.
• Describe the adverse health effects associated with exposure to REEs.
• Manage the lack of published authoritative (i.e., governmental, consensus, or peer reviewed) OELs.
Contact Hours:
1
Presentation Date:
05/23/2023
Presenters:
Barb Menard
Courtney Gendron
