WASHINGTON - On June 12, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization, classified diesel engine exhaust as a carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). This designation could affect businesses within the transportation, mining, manufacturing and construction industries.

According to a statement, the IARC claims that large populations are exposed to diesel exhaust through their occupation or through ambient air. People are exposed not only to motor vehicle exhausts but also to exhausts from other diesel engines, including from other modes of transport (e.g. diesel trains and ships) and from power generators.

With some 225,000 new diagnoses of cancer of the lung and bronchus in the United States annually, this designation could spur new litigation. To learn more, join Steptoe & Johnson LLP, NACS legal counsel, for a complimentary webinar to put this development into perspective.

Date: Tuesday, July 10
Time: 9:30-10:30 am PDT/12:30-1:30 pm EDT
Register: http://www.steptoe.com/news-events-2064.html

Topics of discussion include:

• The scientific evidence supporting and opposing this designation
• The IARC??s decision-making process
• Likely reactions to the new designation by EPA and OSHA
• The effect of this designation on the defense of diesel exhaust cancer claims

Featured speakers:

• Brent Kerger, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Principal Health Scientist, Chemrisk LLC
• Lawrence P. Riff, Practice Group Leader, Mass, Toxic and Environmental Torts Practice, Steptoe & Johnson LLP
• Moderator Jennifer Quinn-Barabanov, Partner, Mass, Toxic and Environmental Torts Practice, Steptoe & Johnson LLP

For more information, or if you are unable to participate in the live webinar but would like to receive a link to the recording, email events@steptoe.com.