M10.8: Occupationally-related disease

Asbestosis is a chronic disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos and is characterized by scarring in the lungs, which makes breathing progressively more difficult. Regular exposure to asbestos-containing materials in construction sites, ships, and industrial facilities cause asbestos-related illnesses to develop overtime. This occupationally related disease also elevates the risk of developing asbestos-related cancer and asbestos is known as one of the most widespread carcinogens worldwide. Increased use of asbestos began in the Industrial Age and the U.S. did not begin regulating asbestos until the 1970’s. There are three OSHA standards that protect workers depending on their type of workplace, which includes general industry, shipyards, and construction. The protections that exist under the standards include assessment of workplace, monitoring to detect asbestos exposure levels, monitoring to detect exposure that is at or above the permissible exposure limit (PEL), and proper hazard communication and demarcation. The World Health Organization created a global campaign for the elimination of asbestos-related diseases on workers’ health with an action plan from 2008-2017. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) created a campaign in 2015 that focuses on preventing asbestos exposure by featuring essential asbestos prevention materials.