Effect of public controversy on occupational health problems: byssinosis

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Am. J. Public Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.74.10.1133· OSTI ID:6265515

Bronstein, J M

The effect of the byssinosis controversy on surveillance programs in the cotton textile industry is reviewed. The federally regulated format for industry medical surveillance guarantees neither automatic reduction of cotton dust exposure for high-risk workers nor wage rate retention for workers who are transferred to less dusty job sites. The absence of universal guidelines for worker management, combined with doubt over the severity and prevalence of byssinosis, encourages employers to evaluate medical surveillance programs primarily on the basis of their economic impact. When employers use the programs to control their losses, the potential costs of worker participation are increased. Comparisons with medical surveillance programs in the coal industry suggest that health benefits to workers can be guaranteed in the context of disputes over occupational diseases if industry, labor, and government agencies all participate in program design and operation.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington
• OSTI ID: 6265515
• Journal Information: Am. J. Public Health; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Public Health; (United States) Vol. 74:10; ISSN AJHEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
COAL INDUSTRY
COTTON
DISEASES
DUSTS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDUSTRY
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
PERSONNEL
PUBLIC OPINION
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SURVEILLANCE
TEXTILE INDUSTRY