The Cotton Dust Papers: Science, Politics, and Power in the "Discovery" of Byssinosis in the U.S (Work, Health and Environment Series) - Hardcover

Levenstein, Charles; Delaurier, Gregory; Dunn, Mary Lee

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0895032651 ISBN 13: 9780895032652

Publisher: Routledge, 2001

Synopsis

"The Cotton Dust Papers" is the story of the 50-year struggle for recognition in the U.S. of this pernicious occupational disease. The authors contend that byssinosis could have and should have been recognized much sooner, as a great deal was known about the disease as early as the 1930s. Using mostly primary sources, the authors explore three instances from the 1930s to the 1960s in which evidence suggested the existence of brown lung in the mills, yet nothing was done. What the story of byssinosis makes clear is that the economic and political power of private owners and managers can hinder and shape the work of health investigators.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Intended Audience: occupational safety and health professionals and students; public health professionals and students; physicians and medical students with an interest in occupational medicine; political scientists, sociologists, and other social scientists with an interest in environmental and health and safety issues; labor activists and historians; professionals and students of U.S. history; and the informed general reader.

From the Inside Flap:

"In a word, this work is superb. The Cotton Dust Papers makes a crucial intellectual contribution: it is the first case study that demonstrates the value of the theoretical framework developed by Levenstein and Wooding and earlier by Levenstein and Tuminaro. It is fluently written, impeccably argued and would stand on its own as a valuable case study even if the larger theoretical work were not available. It is complete in itself."
Eve Spangler, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Boston College

"The Cotton Dust Papers is highly accessible and surprisingly free of jargon. The analysis remains sophisticated and comprehensive. Because the volume has a solid theoretical framework, yet is rich in narrative and historical description, this work should have a wide appeal. The topic is of definitive importance for those interested in labor history, occupational/public health and safety, and social movements, and should appeal to students and scholars, as well as health professionals and citizens."
Daniel Faber, Ph.D., Director, Philanthropy and Environmental Justice Research Project, Northeastern University

"This is an excellent historical review of the complexities facing a 'civilized' society trying to address a major health problem. The book should be useful for years to come as the process of finally addressing the 'brown lung' disease can be applied to many of our current health problems, especially those found in the workplace. I have not read a book related to this subject but my education and professional experience has exposed me to many facets of the problem. I congratulate the authors for their research. Many healthcare professionals would benefit from reading this as I consider the information timeless."
Marilyn A Lavelle, MS, Science , BSN, Nursing (Eastern Maine Technical College)

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0895032651
• ISBN 13: 9780895032652
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176