Attorney-directed screenings can be hazardous.
BACKGROUND
The history of occupational health screenings indicate that they are often necessary to protect the health and interests of workers. However, medical screenings for asbestos and other occupational diseases which are organized and funded by attorneys may result in serious adverse outcomes to those screened.


METHODS
We report a case of death that appears to have been heavily influenced by an attorney-initiated and -directed screening program.


RESULTS
While well-run medical screening programs are essential to disease detection in workers, attorney-run and corporate screenings can be fraught with ethical and practical problems. Screenings have been used by corporations to identify workers with occupational illness in order to terminate their employment and avoid legal liability. Screenings can also be used to motivate workers to stop smoking and implement workplace controls. However, these screenings must be conducted responsibly.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this is only one case it illustrates the gravity and potential danger of attorney-directed screening programs.
Department of Community Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
David
D
Egilman
Susanna
S
Rankin Bohme
D000368:Aged; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D033241:Lawyers; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013405:Suicide; D014481:United States