Occupational Illnesses

From workers at microwave popcorn plants to coffee roasters, people who work with the flavoring chemicals diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione may be at risk for bronchiolitis obliterans, an irreversible disease also known as “popcorn lung.”

Washington – Four inventors have been recognized by OSHA, NIOSH, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration for their innovations in developing technology intended to combat work-related hearing loss.

Bethesda, MD – Declining speech-processing abilities in the brain may contribute to hearing loss in older adults, according to a recent study from researchers at the University of Maryland.

Wythenshawe, England – Musicians, take note: Cleaning wind instruments immediately after use and allowing them to dry may lower the risk of developing a respiratory condition doctors have nicknamed “bagpipe lung.”

Raleigh, NC – More than two dozen pesticides – including the most commonly used herbicide – are associated with respiratory wheeze among male farmers, according to a recent study from North Carolina State University.

Washington – In an effort to encourage the development of technology to combat work-related hearing loss, OSHA, NIOSH, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration have partnered on a new competition.

Washington – NIOSH’s Respiratory Health Division is seeking comments from stakeholders on ways to improve workers’ respiratory health.

Arlington, VA – The majority of commercial motor vehicle drivers who participated in a study to screen for obstructive sleep apnea paid some or all of the costs involved with the screening, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute.

Labor and industry groups that have expressed support for OSHA’s final rule on silica are among those challenging the rule in court.