The B-reading is a special reading of a standard chest x-ray film performed by a physician certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The reading looks for changes on the chest x-ray that may indicate exposure and disease caused by agents such as asbestos or silica.

The B-reading is considered a special reading because doctors who are certified by NIOSH to perform B-readings use a specific protocol to read and record the findings as developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO's protocol provides rules for systematically examining the x-ray in a step-by-step method and recording certain abnormalities or changes on the chest x-ray that can be attributable to (related to or caused by) the inhalation of dusts and fibers, such as silica and asbestos.

FWP participants who consent to have a chest x-ray will also receive a B-reading. Each FWP project has a physician on staff who is trained to perform this special reading for the detection of possible dust-related diseases.

Mary Fields, Program Manager