Cincinnati, Ohio - October 13, 2000 - ACGIH^® Worldwide announced today that its Members approved an amendment of the organization's Bylaws. The new Bylaws allow members who are not governmental or academic employees greater voting rights as well as the opportunity to serve on the ACGIH^® Board. Additional outcomes of the amendment are the reclassification of member categories, including one new category.

Currently, over one third of ACGIH^®'s membership is employed in a non-governmental and non- academic arena. The allowance for greater voting rights to this cadre of the members will allow them to participate on a much greater level. The new Bylaws will also assist ACGIH^® in streamlining and modernizing its governance and operations.

ACGIH^® Board Chair Scott Merkle stated, "On behalf of not only the current Board of Directors, but of all those who have served on the Board and our Bylaws Task Forces over the past five years, I want to acknowledge and thank the members for their support of the new Bylaws. I am convinced that this document points ACGIH^® toward its rightful future, while preserving its traditional core values and making it a more efficient and effective organization." Merkle went on to add, "This can only strengthen the scope and quality of what ACGIH^® has always done for the profession and for occupational health."

Membership in ACGIH^® is a valuable investment for professionals wanting to collaborate with peers from a variety of occupational health and safety backgrounds. To review the benefits of membership in ACGIH^® and to complete the membership application, visit our website at www.acgih.org/members/index.htm.