Occupational Lung Disease Registry

picture of lung

Occupational lung disease is the number one work-related illness in the United States. Lung diseases are caused by exposure to irritating, allergenic or toxic substances. In New York State, Occupational Lung Diseases are reportable to the New York State
Department of Health
518-402-7900

Who must report?

Under Part 22.4 of the State Sanitary Code, every physician, health care facility and clinical laboratory in attendance on the person with clinical evidence of occupational lung disease shall report such occurrence to the New York State Department of Health within 10 days of diagnosis.

Information reported is subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Public Health Law.

Employers will only be contacted if the patient agrees or if confidentiality can be maintained.

When is a disease considered "occupational"?

A workplace exposure can either be the cause, a contributing factor or an aggravating factor in the development of a lung disease. Indentifying the correct etiology of the illness can facilitate formulation of the diagnosis, and assist in the correction of a hazardous work environment.

What diseases are reportable?

Under the authority of all Public Health Law, all occupational lung diseases are reportable, including:

  • Asbestosis/Asbestos-related Disease
  • Occupational Asthma (which includes Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome)
  • Silicosis
  • Occupational Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
  • Berylliosis
  • Byssinosis
  • Coal Workers Lung Disease
  • Hard Metals Disease
  • Occupational Bronchitis
  • Other Occupational Lung Disease

How to report

You may report a case to the Occupational Lung Disease Registry in three ways:

by phone: 518-402-7900
by fax: 518-402-7909
by mail: Occupational Lung Disease Registry
NYS Department of Health
Empire State Plaza
Corning Tower, RM 1325
Albany, NY 12237

If you suspect there is an association between the disease and the workplace, you should report the disease.

What does the Registry do?

Information is collected to identify workplaces and industries where exposures may cause lung disease among the employees. Program staff educate employees about appropriate work practices and protection. Program industrial hygiene staff work with both employers and employees, to assist them in preventing workplace exposures. Educational information about exposure and prevention is provided to health case providers.

Additional Contacts

NYS Occupational Health Clinic Network
The New York State Network of Occupational Health Clinics provides medical and education services for workers exposed to workplace hazards.

Additional information and physician reporting forms can be found at:

www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/workplace/lung_disease_registry/

12/02