The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has refused to accept laryngeal cancer caused by exposure to strong inorganic acid mists at work as a prescribed industrial disease. IIAC noted: “Strong acid mists, frequently containing sulphuric acid, are encountered in a wide variety of industries including primary chemical production, steel pickling and the manufacture of lead batteries, soaps and fertilisers. Having reviewed the literature, the council found no consistent evidence and could not recommend adding laryngeal cancer following exposure to strong organic mists containing sulphuric acid to the list of prescribed diseases for which people can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.”

Laryngeal cancer and strong inorganic acid mists containing sulphuric acid, IIAC position paper 26, 8 December 2009.