Respiratory Conditions

Washington – Spurred by post-9/11 illnesses suffered by first responders, the Environmental Protection Agency will examine its corrosive dust standard to determine whether it provides adequate protection for workers and the public.

Washington – Employees who work with stone countertops are at risk of crystalline silica exposure, and employers should take steps to protect them, OSHA and NIOSH stated Feb. 18 in a joint hazard alert.

Washington – Congressional Democrats have introduced legislation intended to strengthen a federal benefits program for miners suffering from black lung disease.

Missoula, MT – Salon workers are frequently exposed to products that contain harmful chemicals linked to conditions such as cancer, reproductive issues and asthma, concludes a new report from environmental health advocacy group Women’s Voices for the Earth.

Washington – Two members of Congress are broadening their effort to protect children as young as 12 from working in tobacco fields.

Düsseldorf, Germany – Job insecurity could increase a person’s risk of developing asthma, a recent study from the University of Dusseldorf suggests.

Morgantown, WV – The prevalence of a severe form of black lung disease has increased recently to levels not seen in about 40 years, new NIOSH data shows.

Washington – Watchdog group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility has filed a lawsuit intended to prompt the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its corrosive dust standard to better protect first responders.

Gladstone, MO – Bacterial toxins in hen houses can lead to airway irritation, inflammation and decreased lung function among workers in the egg industry, according to a report from the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply.

Washington – A rule that aims to reduce miner exposure to harmful coal dust went into effect Aug. 1.