Bioenvironmental engineers protect health of Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Allison M. Boehm
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Ask an airman what they know about bioenvironmental engineering and the answer is simple-- gas mask fit tests.

The statement is true, bioenvironmental engineering performs 1,453 gas mask fit tests for Barksdale each year. That's more than 100 fit tests per month--an important test as gas masks are the first line of defense against chemical and biological warfare agents, but it will only work if it is properly fitted.

Although they are well known for this essential test that is not all they do.

Yes, gas mask fit testing is an important component to their job, but Airmen of Bioenvironmental are also responsible for the occupational and industrial health of all Airmen and buildings on Barksdale--that's nearly 20,000 personnel and 106 shops.

On top of that, these Airmen are also responsible for heat-stress-monitoring, respirator fit testing and water sampling for the entire base--busy is an understatement.

"We practice preventative medicine along with environmental and occupational health to be able to protect Barksdale Airmen from an array of potential work-associated dangers," said Airman 1st Class Alycia Provenzo, 2nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering technician. "This job keeps us very busy, but by doing so, we magnify the Air Force mission effectiveness through our fact-based health risk management. By doing our job, Barksdale's operational effectiveness is increased as we protect people in the workplace and community."

These Airmen work more than 45 hours each week to ensure all Barksdale inhabitants are staying healthy. Their preciseness with collected sampling examinations and documentation of risks allow Team Barksdale to continue the mission with minimal risk.

"Without us, workers would have no idea of the contaminants associated with their work areas," said Staff Sgt. Ashley Stewart, bioenvironmental respiratory protection program manager. "We are able to help protect the health of Airmen and keep them healthy."

Air and noise samplings, contaminant examinations, investigations and surveys are all in a day's work for bioenvironmental engineers.