Irving J. Selikoff (doctor)

Irving J. Selikoff was a pioneering American doctor and researcher known for his work on occupational health. He studied how exposure to asbestos—a mineral once widely used in construction and industry—caused serious health problems, including lung diseases and mesothelioma (a type of cancer). His research helped establish the link between asbestos exposure and these illnesses, leading to improved workplace safety standards and regulation. Selikoff’s work significantly advanced our understanding of environmental and occupational health risks, ultimately protecting workers and the general population from preventable diseases caused by hazardous substances.