expresso 14 - en

expresso 14 | winter 2018

striving for environmental excel lence Marie-Julie Garneau, MSc Director, Air Quality and Industrial Hygiene | Longueuil, Quebec

Even 15 years after Marie-Julie achieved her Master of Science degree from the University of Montreal’s School of Public Health, she can see the impact of her education on her career. “When I entered the program, I knew it would help shape me as a scientist,” explains Marie-Julie. “I learned how to find solutions to problems related to the impact of various environmental hazards, such as chemical substances found in indoor air in workplaces.” From reading the program description, Marie-Julie knew that she wanted to pursue a career in this field, and became increasingly interested in the Breathing easy Now, as Director, Air Quality and Industrial Hygiene at EXP, she has participated in more than five hundred studies in different workplace environments. Her dedication to improving workspaces stems from the impact her work has on people’s quality of life. “By studying contaminants in work environments, my team’s work benefits everyone, which I am very proud of,” explains Marie-Julie. “I love being asked by my clients or colleagues to provide assistance on projects. My team can help them not only achieve their goals, but enhance their designs for air quality and safety or help them manage the risks during the work.” various physical, chemical and biological agents that cause environmental risks in work environments.

Clean air can be a battle A few years ago, Marie-Julie and her team worked on a maintenance workshop for tanks and other military vehicles for Defense Canada’s Montreal Garrison. This was Marie-Julie’s first important industrial hygiene project, as she was involved throughout the entire project. The project’s main goal was to detect the amount of lead dust, and other metals, on all building surfaces and to correct the situation. To do it, the team had to propose a chemical characterization plan, provide a procedure to decontaminate the site, and prepare a health and safety plan for cleaning and post cleaning operations. For Marie-Julie, presenting the results of their inspection and cleaning plans to many Defense Canada employees was a homecoming, of sorts. “It reminded me of my seven years as a cadet when I was stationed at the Canadian Armed Forces Valcartier base,” explains Marie-Julie. “It was great to blend a part of my childhood with the work I’m doing now.”

Crews test the air quality in the ventilation systems in an industrial setting.

My team can help other colleagues not only achieve their goals, but enhance their designs for air quality and safety .”

women at EXP | 23