Occupational ill-health--a review of the symptoms and signs.

This review presents a brief history of occupational health contrasting the United States' experience to European developments. Recent legislation is reviewed, including attempts to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act and to institute a national program of workers' compensation. Developments in the executive agencies in the Carter administration are discussed with attention to the new occupational health standards for lead and for cotton dust. Following this discussion several scientific issues are reviewed. They include problems surrounding latency, synergism, and the introduction of new toxic hazards. Finally, the review covers three major policy issues: control technology, information for workers, and industry responsibility.