The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s research document, entitled “Asbestos Fibers and Other Elongated Mineral Particles: State of the Science and Roadmap for Research” has again become available to the general public this week. NIOSH first made the document public in 2007.
NIOSH is now seeking additional comments and revision suggestions based on the first round of review. The report was initially created to address the many concerns related to the risk of exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos, while at work. It also touched on the toxic nature of asbestos fibers and “other elongated mineral particles” and called for additional research into the many health issues that are connected to such hazardous materials. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to the development of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs and has no known cure.
The document will be open for comment and review until the end of September 2008. NIOSH seeks commentary on several issues, including the area of “clinical issues and recommendations for clinical research,” as well as the subject of newly proposed research areas and how these could potentially lead to the creation of enhanced public guidelines. The draft is available for viewing on the CDC website.
Mesothelioma.com hails NIOSH for its continued dedication to improving public policies related to occupational asbestos exposure and urges the public, particularly professionals in industries where exposure to asbestos is a concern, to become involved with the document revision process.
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