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Lung ca ncer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
In collaboration with York Miller, M.D., we are involved in a study to explore the hypothesis that sputum cytologic screening may be a useful detection tool in a population of asbestos exposed construction workers at high risk for lung cancer. We plan to longitudinally assess the natural history of sputum cytologic abnormalities and enroll participants in a chemopreventive trial. In collaboration with John Martyny, Ph.D., C.I.H., we are investigating the role of workplace bioaerosol exposures in increasing the risk for hypersensitivity lung diseases in swimming pool and hot tub workers and users. Exposure to bioaerosols generated from indoor hot tubs, swimming pools, decorative fountains, humidifiers and saunas has been associated with a number of respiratory illnesses including asthma, hypersenitivity pneumonitis, bacterial and mycobacterial pneumonias, viral respiratory infections, and inhalation fevers. Our previous investigation of two sequential outbreaks of respiratory disease among lifeguards working in an indoor swimming pool containing excessive water spray features showed that bioaerosols were responsible for the hypersensitivity lung disease occurring among these symptomatic workers.