Respiratory Conditions

Villejuif, France – Frequent use of workplace disinfectants may increase health care workers’ risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, suggest researchers from France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that as many as 2.7 million U.S. workers may have asthma caused or aggravated by workplace conditions. And federal statistics show that about 11 million workers are exposed to at least one of several agents associated with occupational asthma.

Washington – A series of free, confidential health screenings will be available for coal miners as part of the NIOSH Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program.

Atlanta – As many as 2.7 million U.S. workers may have asthma caused or aggravated by workplace conditions, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Atlanta – A radiology practice in eastern Kentucky diagnosed 60 current or former coal miners with progressive massive fibrosis – the most severe case of black lung disease – between January 2015 and August 2016, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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.”

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 – 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.