Press Release on Joint Campaign on Silicosis Prevention
by
American Lung Association
Mine Safety and Health Administration
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor - OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
USDL: 96-
CONTACT: Meg Ingold
OFFICE: (202) 219-8211
FOR RELEASE: Immediate Thursday, October 31, 1996
LABOR SECRETARY CALLS FOR AN END TO SILICOSIS
A foundry worker from Michigan and a miner from Kentucky and
their families are just a few of today's victims of the age-old
problem of silicosis.
Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich announced today the start
of a national public education campaign, If It's Silica, It's Not
Just Dust, to prevent silicosis--a disabling, sometimes fatal,
lung disease caused by overexposure to silica dust.
The Labor Department is launching the silicosis prevention
effort jointly with the American Lung Association and the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
"More than 1 million workers across the country are exposed
silica dust on the job," said Reich, "and 100,000 of them are at
a high risk of developing silicosis. Yet this disease is 100
percent preventable."
"This silicosis prevention effort is a partnership that will
save lives and significant human and economic costs," said
Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala.
Each year, more than 250 American workers die with silicosis.
Those who remove paint and rust from buildings, bridges, tanks
and other surfaces; clean foundry castings; mine through rock;
crush stone or work with clay; etch or frost glass; and work in
construction are among those at risk of overexposure to
crystalline silica.
Inhalation of crystalline silica, the second most common
mineral in the earth's crust, can lead to chronic, accelerated or
acute silicosis and is associated with bronchitis and
tuberculosis. Some studies also indicate an association with
lung cancer. The earliest recorded cases of silicosis date back
to the first century A.D.
"Sixty years ago, labor secretary Frances Perkins launched a
nationwide effort to tackle the problem of silicosis," said
Reich. "I am determined to finish the job she started."
Beginning tomorrow, workers and employers can get a package
of free materials on how to prevent silicosis by calling the
NIOSH toll-free telephone information service (1-800-35-NIOSH).
The package contains a tip sheet of ideas for preventing
silicosis, a guide for working safely with silica, and stickers
for hard hats to remind workers that, if it's silica, it's not
just dust. Spanish-language versions also will be available
soon.
Department of Labor staff will distribute silica materials
when they inspect mines, construction sites and other affected
industries. NIOSH, the agency that researches and recommends
solutions to workplace hazards, will staff the 800 number and
provide technical information to callers.
"We are continuing to make significant progress in fighting
this disease. But in 1996, there is no reason at all for any
workers to suffer from silicosis," said Reich. "When we get the
word out to all workers and employers on how to control silica
dust, lives will be saved."
Joining Reich in today's announcement were silicosis victims
and their families who came to Washington to tell their stories.
They included:
J.T. Knuckles, a 56-year old foundry worker from Saginaw,
Michigan, now disabled from silicosis.
Charlene and Kimberly Howard, the wife and daughter of a
rock driller from Hulen, Kentucky, who died of silicosis at
the age of 46.
Alfred Munzer, M.D., of the American Lung Association,
described some of the most serious effects of being overexposed
to silica dust. "Silicosis is an insidious, debilitating lung
disease that robs people of their breath and eventually limits
their mobility and makes them dependent on supplemental oxygen,"
said Munzer. "Cigarette smoking only aggravates the effects of
silica dust and worsens a patient's condition."
According to Margaret Seminario, head of health and safety
for the AFL-CIO, "This is finally the time to say, 'Stop!' to
silicosis."
Two companies committed to preventing silicosis at their
worksites offered support to silicosis prevention efforts. "Our
company is committed to making the capital investment necessary
to eliminate silicosis. We see this campaign as a perfect
example of where government and industry, working together, can
solve a major health issue facing the American worker," said
Kevin Crawford, chair of the National Industrial Sand
Association, and President and CEO of Unimin Corporation, the
nation's leading producer of industrial sand.
"Our company is pleased to join in this effort to prevent
silicosis, and we believe other companies in our industry can and
will share in our commitment," said Donald M. James, President
and CEO of Vulcan Materials Co., the nation's largest producer of
construction aggregates.
Some tips for preventing silicosis include:
-- Monitor dust levels in the air and take corrective action
if needed.
-- Install and maintain engineering controls to reduce
silica dust.
-- Use water hoses, vacuums, or wet-sweeping, rather than
blowing dust with compressed air or dry sweeping.
-- Train workers about health effects of silica dust and
good work practices that reduce dust.
As a part of the ongoing campaign to end silicosis, there
will be a national conference in March 1997 in Washington, D.C.,
focusing on the best practices to reduce dust and prevent
silicosis.