CTEH Spotlight: John Kind, PhD, CIH

Since joining CTEH nearly 10 years ago, Dr. John Kind has utilized his expansive knowledge and unique skill set to swiftly move from project toxicologist to our current director of toxicology. Today he continues to excel in the industry, even obtaining a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) accreditation from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene in 2012. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Kind and hear more about his work with CTEH:

 As Director of Toxicology, you work on a broad range of issues from exposure assessment to emergency response. What does a typical day look like for you?

There’s no “typical” day for me at CTEH. I could be working on an emergency response in North America, traveling to an industrial site or serving as an expert witness in court. During emergency responses, it’s all hands on deck. As a senior toxicologist, I’m typically a member of the first team on site. Along with my team, I’m responsible for determining which commodities are involved, what type of equipment is needed and what health and safety considerations are necessary so we can hit the ground running as soon as we arrive on the scene. Once on site, we conduct an initial site assessment, decide which areas to focus on and how to best deploy our resources.

What is your role within CTEH’s Toxicology Emergency Response Program?

While I’m in the office, I serve as a technical resource to the Toxicology Emergency Response Program (TERP). I provide support and guidance by reviewing and commenting on reports, offering insight into action or exposure levels in the field and sharing information on the hazards of certain chemicals. In the field, I lead teams on emergency responses. 

Please tell us more about your role in the drafting of Emergency Response Planning Guidelines for chemical emergencies.

The Emergency Response Planning Guidelines were designed by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) to protect the general public from emergency chemical releases. I’m part of an international AIHA committee that develops, evaluates and publishes these guidelines that are used by emergency responders across North America.

You have earned the prestigious title of “Certified Industrial Hygienist.” What encouraged you to pursue this certification?

When I came to CTEH nearly a decade ago, I had a strong background in toxicology. As I continued with our company, I became more involved with air sampling, worker exposure and worker health issues. I wanted to obtain the industrial hygiene certification in order to further my knowledge and experience, as well as my career, in the industrial hygiene field.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love spending time outdoors with my family. I’m an avid fly fisher, hunter and mountain biker. I enjoy giving back to the community and am proud to have served as long-time coach of youth basketball and soccer.

For more information about Dr. Kind, visit cteh.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.com.