We will provide a general history of warnings for workplace exposures using asbestos for specific examples. We will review the history of recommendations published in the medical literature, starting with Merewether’s 1930 recommendation of a need to provide for a “sane appreciation of the risks” of asbestos hazards. We will compare medical recommendations on warnings with corporate knowledge of the need to warn their own workers and product users of known health hazards. We will compare various corporate responses to health hazard warnings on similar products. We will also examine corporate influence on federal and state statutes dealing with worker warnings.
Learning Objectives: To provide a general history of warnings for toxic hazards using asbestos as an example; and to learn about the influence of corporations on state and federal regulations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I testify as an expert witness in toxic tort litigation concerning asbestos at the request of both plaintiff and defense lawyers.