Respiratory Diseases Research at NIOSH

Respiratory diseases caused by exposures to dangerous materials in the workplace have tremendous implications for worker health and, by extension, the national economy. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that deaths from work-related respiratory diseases and cancers account for about 70% of all occupational disease deaths. NIOSH conducts research in order to detect and reduce work-related hazardous exposures, injuries, and diseases; its Respiratory Disease Research Program (RDRP) focuses on respiratory diseases. This National Research Council book reviews the RDRP to evaluate the 1) relevance of its work to improvements in occupational safety and health and 2) the impact of research in reducing workplace respiratory illnesses. The assessment reveals that the program has made essential contributions to preventing occupational respiratory disease. The National Research Council has rated the Program a 5 out of 5 for relevance, and a 4 out of 5 for impact. To further increase its effectiveness, the Respiratory Disease Research Program should continue and expand its current efforts, provide resources for occupational disease surveillance, and include exposure assessment scientists in its activities.


Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 Evaluation of the Respiratory Diseases Research Program
3 Emerging Research and Research Issues
4 Recommendations
References
Appendixes
Appendix A: Framework for the Review of Research Programs of the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Appendix B: Stakeholder Responses Online Survey
Appendix C: Bibliographic Information for the Committee to Review
the NIOSH Respiratory Diseases Research Program
Appendix D: Biographic Information on the Committee to Review the
NIOSH Respiratory Diseases Research Program