Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Occupational Health Related Disease: Byssinosis
I chose Byssinosis (brown lung) since I have not heard of this much before. It is a respiratory disease associated with working at textile mills (primarily dust from fibers i.e. cotton). I was reading a 1978 article from the NY Times about how the cotton industry pushed back against regulation and OSHA did not set any standards for cotton dust exposure. Eventually there were standards set around ventilation, respirator use, and routine medical check ups. Upon my research on this work related disease, there seems to be little campaigns and research around prevention, but in the US Byssinosis rates are declining, according to the American Lung Association and CDC. I was hoping that the CDC would have more info on public health campaigns around this disease, but I am not finding much information.
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Hey Angela,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information on Imidazole, it sounds very hazardous for workers. I agree with you that other people with low English or reading proficiency may have a hard time understanding this and may be more at risk for the dangers of chemicals, especially Imidazole.
I really like that OSHA does this free consultation program for small businesses that are considered high-risk, especially because it helps them grow. It's great that it is also very reader and kid friendly to let them know their rights and how they can more safe at work.
Thanks for the information on Brown Lung/Byssinosis, as I had never heard of it before either. I wonder if there is less information on it now because it's rates in the US are declining (hopefully due to better workplace standards regarding ventilation, respirator use, and routine medical check-ups! Thanks for sharing Angela!