mesothelioma blog

OSHA put out a press release on their enforcement activities in 2007, boasting of over 39,300 inspections against a goal of 37,700. They report 88,846 violations in 2007. The 2006 injury numbers are in, and workplace fatality rates were the lowest since records have been kept, down to 3.9 deaths for every 100,000 employees.

Good news, but the fatality numbers apply to immediate or short-term deaths. Diseases caused by long-term occupational exposure (such as to asbestos) are not counted in this number.

Andrew Vickers of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has a disturbing essay in the New York Times today. Apparently researchers are relucatant to share their cancer study data. Because of concerns that their studies might be criticized, because it is proprietary business data, and out of concerns for patient privacy. Vickers is a statistician and has encountered personal rejection when asking for information, and he knows enough about the industry to say this is a common practice.

It’s unfortunate that such attitudes exist in the scientific community, especially in the Internet age when communication is easier than ever. For the good of millions of patients, I hope scientists do not horde their data, but instead share it.

Story from the BBC about the closing of Ordsall Hall, a 12th Century building near Manchester. Buildings that old typically have been through many additions, renovations, and rebuilds. Somewhere along the way asbestos was apparently put into the boiler room. Records were not always kept in the old days. Now the Salford City Council has closed the building until the asbestos can be removed. The council is trying to make Ordsall Hall, which is designated as a historic Grade 1 building, into a visitor attraction.