What does the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) primarily do?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is primarily focused on researching worker safety and health. This federal agency is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is tasked with studying health conditions that affect workers, including exposure to dangerous substances like asbestos. NIOSH develops guidelines, recommendations, and practices aimed at minimizing health risks in the workplace, rather than enforcing regulations or overseeing inspections. Its mission is to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure that occupational environments are safe and healthy, which aligns closely with its research initiative.

In contrast, the other options involve functions that are outside the primary remit of NIOSH. Enforcement of regulations on asbestos removal is typically managed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Regulating air quality standards falls under the jurisdiction of agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Overseeing building inspections is a role that is usually performed by local building authorities or specialized inspection bodies rather than a national institute like NIOSH.