Silicosis and Diminishing Lung Function
At What Category Do Changes Begin?
A HarrisMartin Interview with Epidemiologist Patrick Hessel, Ph.D.

Following an extensive review of the scientific literature, epidemiologist Patrick Hessel, Ph.D., and two of his colleagues recently reached a conclusion that he says could weigh heavily on the future of debate surrounding silicosis and its impact on lung function.

According to a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work & Environmental Health, Hessel's group concluded that the lung function of those diagnosed with Category 1 silicosis is indistinguishable from those who exhibit no radiological evidence of the disease.

Hessel, who obtained a Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania and now serves as Senior Managing Scientist at …