More workers at risk of asbestos exposure

Occupational medicine involves the prevention and management of injuries, illnesses or disabilities involving the workplace. It’s a branch of clinical medicine that focuses on occupational health.

It’s often the first line of defense for an exposure to asbestos, the toxic mineral once used so routinely in all developing countries. Asbestos, which remains prevalent today in America, can cause a variety of health issues, including mesothelioma cancer.

Levin, the former Occupational Medicine director at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, was credited with quickly mobilizing medical centers in Manhattan to prepare for the emergency needs of the first responders and to clean-up workers after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

He sounded the alarm regarding health issues caused by the toxic dust that engulfed the city, even while officials were giving an all-clear signal. Throughout his career, he was known as a friend to the working class in asbestos-related issues.

Harbut, occupational medicine authority at both the Wayne State University Medical Center and the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit, worked alongside Levin in helping workers uncover the national asbestos scandal in Libby, Montana. He testified before the United States Congress to help with asbestos legislation. He lectured at the Department of Justice.

“There is a horrible shortage of physicians coming into this field to replace us, and it puts everyone in danger,” Harbut said. “I hope people realize how serious this is.”