About the session
Special effects in film and live entertainment are designed to inspire awe—but behind the spectacle lies a complex array of occupational and public health hazards.
This session explores real-world exposure assessment case studies conducted during the use of fire, explosions, fog, and artificial snow effects in the entertainment industry.
Participants will gain insight into measured exposures to toxic gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fog chemicals, and silica. Practical control strategies and risk mitigation approaches will be discussed to help protect performers, crew, and audiences while preserving the magic of the show.
Mona Shum
Principal Industrial Hygienist, Aura Health and Safety
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Mona is a certified industrial hygienist with nearly 30 years of experience in exposure assessment, indoor air quality investigations, chemical review, and environmental public health. She is currently the Principal Industrial Hygienist at Aura Health and Safety and an adjunct professor with the University of British Columbia. She has been a pioneer in the field of industrial hygiene within television and film having conducted both research and field studies in this ever-changing industry.
Taryn Toic
Industry and Program Specialist, WorkSafeBC
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Taryn holds an Occupational Health and Safety Certificate from BCIT, a Master of Science from the UBC Occupational and Environmental Hygiene program and is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). She joined WorkSafeBC in October as an Industry and Program Specialist within Regulation & Services, following eight years as an industrial hygiene consultant. Her consulting experience included extensive work in the film and television industry, with projects ranging from indoor air quality assessments, isocyanate testing, hazardous materials assessments for on‑location sets, to occupational air monitoring for dolomite (fake snow) and everything in between! Taryn played a key role in atmospheric fog monitoring, including the development of fog calibration factors, delivery of fog monitoring training, and assisting in creation of an online course. She looks forward to continued collaboration with ActSafe in her new role, as well as ongoing learning and deepening her understanding of the industry.