Kathleen Kreiss and David N . Weissman

American Thoracic Society Statement: Occupational contribution to the burden of airway disease.

Acute upper and lower respiratory effects in wildland firefighters.

OBJECTIVES To assess acute respiratory effects experienced by wildland firefighters. METHODS We studied two Interagency Hotshot Crews with questionnaires, spirometry, and measurement of albumin, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as indicators of inflammation in sputum and nasal lavage fluid. Assessments were made preseason, postfire, and postseason. RESULTS Fift...

Concurrent Silicosis and Pulmonary Mycosis at Death

To examine risk for mycosis among persons with silicosis, we examined US mortality data for 1979-2004. Persons with silicosis were more likely to die with pulmonary mycosis than were those without pneumoconiosis or those with more common pneumoconioses. Health professionals should consider enhanced risk for mycosis for silica-exposed patients.

The authors respond to Egilman.

Dr. Egilman highlights the need for testing of chemicals prior to their use by workers and consumption by the public [Egilman, 2014]. We agree that the demonstrated toxicity of diacetyl illustrates the need for testing and great vigilance regarding diacetyl substitutes, other flavoring chemicals, and chemicals involved in flavor manufacture, and that such an approach would better ensure the saf...

Model of Asthma Regulation of Eosinophilopoiesis in a Murine