National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Dermatologist

Abstract

Lushniak's report in this issue of the journal describes activities of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that are relevant to the dermatologist. In a 1974 article (Lucas JB; Cutis 13:681-684, 1974), Lucas outlines the history of NIOSHs predecessor agencies. The federal initiative in occupational health dates to 1914 with the establishment of the Office of Industrial Hygiene and Sanitation. This office conducted a series of classic investigations of silicosis, lead, mercury, radium, and phosphorus poisoning. In 1928, an Office of Dermatoses Investigation was established. In 1937, this office was combined with the Division of Industrial Hygiene and later with the Bureau of Occupational Safety and Health, the immediate predecessor agency of NIOSH. Over the years, seminal work in occupational dermatoses has been conducted at the federal level by a number of dermatologists, in particular, Drs Louis Schwartz, Donald Birmingham, and Marcus Key. Dr Key was the first director of NIOSH. NIOSH activities continue to be of great importance to physicians interested in occupational and environmental skin disease.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries. NIOSH has a broad scope of activities, including activities that are of interest to the dermatologist. In addition, NIOSH supports extramural research and provides information on occupational exposures and health and safety issues.

This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.