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NIOSH is inviting public comment on a draft expanded website (www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/chestradiography) that describes the use of chest radiography to evaluate occupational lung disorders. Comments on the draft page can be made until October 15, 2005.

Under a long-standing program, NIOSH certifies "B Readers," or physicians who review and classify chest X-rays to determine the presence and severity of lung disorders caused by work-related exposures to dusts such as asbestos, silica, and coal mine dust. NIOSH provides a test to determine physicians’ proficiency in making such determinations, based upon internationally recognized technical criteria. By passing the test, an applicant is certified by NIOSH as a B Reader. NIOSH’s previous chest radiography website was primarily intended for physicians who were interested in applying for B Reader certification. The draft expanded page includes additional description, discussion, and links to resources for practitioners and general audiences.