Browse Exhibits (1 total)

This exhibit highlights the groundbreaking work of the White Lung Association (WLA). Founded in 1979, White Lung Association (WLA) was a worker-led nonprofit advocacy group based in Baltimore dedicated to supporting people exposed to asbestos while calling for industry and government regulation, accountability, and reform. They provided training courses and information to workers (particularly, but not limited to, workers in industrial manufacturing jobs)  and the public on occupational health and safety, labor, workers’ rights, and public health.

It operated as an advocacy group for shipyard workers, steelworkers, autoworkers, and workers from other labor industries who sought reforms in the ways industries, corporations, labor unions, and medical providers handled asbestos exposure.

The WLA was also active in helping government agencies create regulations for the protection of the public from asbestos exposure, particularly in public schools. The group’s efforts helped change national, state, and local laws concerning asbestos inspection, training, and safe disposal.

Credits: The exhibit was researched, curated, and published online by Jessica Douglas in 2025-2026.