Industrial Hygiene Foundation: A Pivotal Institution in Asbestos Industry Oversight and Public Health
The Industrial Hygiene Foundation (IHF), originally established as the Air Hygiene Foundation in 1936, played a significant role in the intersection of occupational health, industrial practices, and asbestos-related litigation. Created under the auspices of the Mellon Institute, the IHF was a consortium of industrial companies aimed at addressing workplace health hazards, including asbestos exposure. While it contributed to advancing industrial hygiene practices, the IHF has also been criticized for its close ties to industry and its role in downplaying the risks of asbestos exposure. Its history is central to understanding corporate influence on public health and the legal battles surrounding asbestos-related diseases.
The IHF was founded during a period of growing awareness of occupational diseases, including asbestosis and silicosis. In the 1930s, industrial workers faced significant health risks due to exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos. The Air Hygiene Foundation (1936–1941) was established to study and mitigate these risks, later renamed the Industrial Hygiene Foundation in 1941. Its membership included a wide range of industrial companies, including those in the asbestos, petrochemical, and manufacturing sectors.
The IHF conducted industrial hygiene surveys, published the Industrial Hygiene Digest, and held annual meetings covered by major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. These activities aimed to provide member companies with health and safety information while also addressing public and regulatory concerns about workplace hazards.
However, internal documents and correspondence reveal that the IHF often prioritized the interests of its corporate members over worker safety. For example, Vandiver Brown of Johns Manville, a major asbestos manufacturer, described the IHF as "the creature of industry" and praised its ability to provide a "sympathetic appreciation" of employers' viewpoints. This dual role of advancing industrial hygiene while protecting corporate interests has made the IHF a controversial figure in asbestos litigation and public health history.
The IHF’s work intersected with asbestos law, occupational safety, and medical science in several key ways:
Industrial Hygiene Surveys: The IHF conducted surveys of workplaces, including asbestos manufacturing plants, to assess health risks. These surveys often documented asbestos exposure but failed to recommend adequate protective measures. For example, a 1949 survey at an Esso refinery noted asbestos exposure among maintenance workers but did not lead to significant changes in workplace safety.
Medical Research and Publications: The IHF published findings on occupational health hazards, including asbestos-related diseases. However, critics argue that the organization selectively reported data to minimize the perceived risks of asbestos exposure. This selective reporting has been used as evidence in lawsuits to demonstrate corporate negligence and attempts to conceal health risks.
Corporate Influence and Legal Discovery: During legal discovery in asbestos lawsuits, internal IHF documents were revealed, showing that the organization was aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure as early as the 1930s. These documents have been used to prove that member companies, including major asbestos manufacturers, knowingly exposed workers to hazardous conditions without adequate warnings or protections.
Regulatory Impact: The IHF’s activities influenced the development of workplace safety standards and regulations. However, its close ties to industry have raised questions about the objectivity of its recommendations and their alignment with public health goals.
The Industrial Hygiene Foundation’s legacy is a complex one. On the one hand, it contributed to the development of industrial hygiene as a field and provided valuable data on workplace health hazards. On the other hand, its role in downplaying the risks of asbestos exposure and protecting corporate interests has made it a focal point in asbestos litigation.
Today, the IHF is often cited in legal cases as evidence of corporate negligence and industry cover-ups. Its history underscores the importance of independent oversight in occupational health and the need for transparency in addressing workplace hazards. The IHF’s records, which were made available during legal discovery, continue to be a critical resource for researchers, legal professionals, and public health advocates.
One notable example of the IHF’s influence is its 1947 survey for the Asbestos Textile Institute, which documented asbestos exposure in textile manufacturing plants. Despite clear evidence of health risks, the IHF did not recommend significant changes to workplace practices. This survey has been used in lawsuits to demonstrate that asbestos manufacturers were aware of the dangers but failed to act, contributing to the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases among workers.
The Industrial Hygiene Foundation remains a critical subject for understanding the interplay between industry, public health, and the legal system. Its history offers valuable lessons on the importance of accountability and the need for rigorous, independent oversight in protecting workers and the public from hazardous materials.
