Surprisingly, I was not exactly overwhelmed with responses to my August 1, 1996 comment regarding the lack of popularity of computerized data acquisition in Industrial Hygiene.

In fact, we left this comment up for several weeks, hoping for some feedback!!

OK. Here are my thoughts. It all comes down to job security.

It seems that most IH's are content to sample and turn in reports, sample and turn in reports, sample and turn in reports...Well, you get the idea. But, what happens if you install a gas detection system with computerized data acquisition?

The TLV for carbon monoxide is 25 ppm. If management installs a system, and the reading is always below 25 ppm, why do they need the IH? Or, so goes the reasoning. If the reading is over 25, now the IH will have to advocate-- either for the company, or for the employees. In other words, the IH will have to take a stand!

But, hold on. Taking a stand is not "professional." After all, professionalism requires gentlemanly behavior, peer respect, and collegiality.

Ergo--far better to keep sampling and turning in reports. If results other than 25 ppm are reported, no problem. Clearly more study is required!! Just do more sampling and more reports. That way, the IH can stay professional, and nobody (except the employees or management) gets hurt.

If you have a better explanation, I would like to hear it.

By the way, insistence on out-dated ideas of professionalism, collegiality and peer respect is hurting ALL professions, not just Industrial Hygiene. (Or do you think Medicine is in such great shape these days??)