The health of middle aged and older workers: a review of recent literature.
A selection has been made from the competent literature currently available concerning the health of the mature working population. Part A discusses the few important advances in basic science since 1973 which may help prevent degenerative and chronic diseases. Practical advances in diagnosis of the pre-morbid stage of these diseases are reviewed. Part B examines the coming to maturity of occupational medicine and hygiene. Many excellent epidemiological papers are being published. Knowledge of chemical damage, particularly to the lungs, and of chemical carcinogenesis is increasing. Etiology proven by pathological and toxicological studies defines cause. Prevention becomes possible. The Occupational, Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the U.S.A. have sparked rapid advances in workplace standards and in the health of workers. Their techniques are summarized. Part C studies environmental diseases. It emphasizes the enormous knowledge gap that exists and reviews the work where expertise of the health disciplines has recently added to the world pool of essential data.
D000368:Aged; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000639:trends*; D014481:United States