Bernardino Ramazzini is noteworthy for writing the first comprehensive study of occupational diseases in 1700. In his work, " Diseases of Workers," Ramazzini identified potential health hazards in 42 occupations, including mining, midwifery, painting, printing, singing and soldiering. Ramazzini, who was born on this date in 1633, recognized that many of these occupations came in contact with metals that caused poisoning, including lead and antimony, and looked at ways to prevent these poisonings. Ramazzini's studies launched the science of industrial medicine and the study of public health. His treatise on occupational health was used by public health officials well into the 19th century.

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