H. Res. 1149 
In the House of Representatives, U. S., 
April 30, 2008. 
Whereas sarcoidosis is a noncontagious systemic disease of 
unknown origin and is commonly diagnosed with the de-
tection 
of 
inflamed, 
microscopic 
growths 
called 
granulomas that grow and often affect the lungs, skin, 
eyes, and nervous system; 
Whereas sarcoidosis can affect any organ of the body and 
more than one organ at any given time; 
Whereas the inflammation of such vital organs may cause sei-
zures, blindness, disfiguring lesions, and heart failure; 
Whereas many individuals stricken with sarcoidosis eventually 
develop a serious disabling or potentially fatal condition; 
Whereas sarcoidosis was once thought to be an uncommon 
condition, but is now known to affect tens of thousands 
of people throughout the United States; 
Whereas sarcoidosis afflicts African-Americans up to 8 times 
more frequently than other races; 
Whereas as many people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms, 
it is difficult to measure how many people have the condi-
tion;
•HRES 1149 EH 
Whereas sarcoidosis is a disease that affects Americans na-
tionwide and people around the world, and yet its causes 
and potential treatments remain a mystery; 
Whereas skin-related symptoms of this chronic, multisystemic 
disease were first recognized more than 100 years ago, 
but the effects of the disease on other organs were not 
observed until the first quarter of this century; 
Whereas sarcoidosis was the chief diagnosis of the death of 
fluorescent light bulb workers in Salem, Massachusetts in 
the 1940s; 
Whereas sarcoidosis was the first diagnosis for an over-
whelming majority of rescue workers’ health conditions 
on September 11, 2001; 
Whereas sarcoidosis has been documented to be dispropor-
tionately found among factory workers and Navy 
deckgrinders; 
Whereas today, researchers are still trying to learn more 
about the causes, cures, and overall nature of this afflic-
tion; 
Whereas the American Lung Association has actively advo-
cated for more research to better understand how envi-
ronmental and occupational exposures may increase the 
risk of sarcoidosis; 
Whereas the National Sarcoidosis Society strives to serve 
those afflicted by the disease by focusing its efforts on 
public policy, research funding, patient services, public 
awareness and education, and finding a cure; and 
Whereas April 2008 would be appropriate to designate as Na-
tional Sarcoidosis Awareness Month to increase public 
awareness of the need to support individuals with sar-
coidosis, to raise awareness of the environmental and oc-
•HRES 1149 EH 
cupational issues associated with sarcoidosis, and to edu-
cate medical professionals who care for individuals with 
sarcoidosis: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Sar-
coidosis Awareness Month; 
(2) recognizes that sarcoidosis has played a promi-
nent yet hidden role in America’s workforce history; 
(3) acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals 
and organizations who observe National Sarcoidosis 
Awareness Month with appropriate activities to further 
promote awareness of the disease; and 
(4) supports research efforts to better understand 
the links between sarcoidosis and specific occupations 
where sarcoidosis is disproportionately represented. 
Attest: 
Clerk.