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. 1983 Feb;73(2):188–192. doi: 10.2105/ajph.73.2.188

Byssinosis: a role for public health in the face of scientific uncertainty.

D H Wegman, C Levenstein, I A Greaves
PMCID: PMC1650512  PMID: 6217757

Abstract

Byssinosis, a lung disease caused by cotton dust, has been the subject of recent controversy. Debates over the nature of the disease, possible interactions with cigarette smoking, and the proposed reevaluation of the cotton dust standard by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have tended to overlook the plight of affected workers and to obscure the most effective means for preventing the disease. The present lack of definitive information is no reason for inaction, nor for depriving disabled workers of adequate financial compensation. In this respect, byssinosis is no different from other public health hazards for which action must often be taken on the basis of incomplete evidence.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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