# NIOSH Division of Laboratories and Criteria Development

> former division of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

**Wikidata**: [Q123344613](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123344613)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/niosh-division-of-laboratories-and-criteria-development

## Summary
The **NIOSH Division of Laboratories and Criteria Development (DLCD)** was a former division of the U.S. **National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)**, established in 1971 to advance occupational safety research and standards. It was dissolved in 1975 and replaced by two new divisions: the **Division of Biomedical and Behavioral Science** and the **Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering**.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Division of Laboratories and Criteria Development (DLCD)
- **Parent Organization**: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- **Inception**: 1971 (source: [Google Books](https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/R111CKd87twC?gbpv=1&pg=PA106))
- **Dissolution**: 1975 (source: [Federal Register](https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/FR-1975-12-11))
- **Replaced By**:
  - NIOSH Division of Biomedical and Behavioral Science
  - NIOSH Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering
- **Classification**: Government agency, division of NIOSH
- **Aliases**: DLCD, Division of Laboratories and Criteria Development

## FAQs

**What was the NIOSH Division of Laboratories and Criteria Development?**
It was a specialized division within NIOSH, focused on developing scientific criteria and laboratory research to improve workplace safety and health standards.

**When was the DLCD established and dissolved?**
The division was created in **1971** and disbanded in **1975**, as part of a restructuring within NIOSH.

**What replaced the DLCD?**
After its dissolution, its functions were split into two new divisions: the **Division of Biomedical and Behavioral Science** and the **Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering**.

**Was the DLCD a government agency?**
Yes, it operated as a **government agency** under NIOSH, a federal entity responsible for occupational safety research.

## Why It Matters
The DLCD played a critical role in shaping early occupational safety research within NIOSH, contributing to the development of scientific criteria and laboratory-based standards. Its restructuring in 1975 reflected NIOSH’s evolving focus on specialized research areas, ensuring continued advancements in workplace health and safety.

## Notable For
- Being one of the **original divisions** of NIOSH, established shortly after the institute’s founding.
- Contributing to **early occupational safety research** and criteria development.
- Serving as a precursor to two major NIOSH divisions that continue its legacy in biomedical and engineering research.

## Body

### **History and Establishment**
The **NIOSH Division of Laboratories and Criteria Development (DLCD)** was founded in **1971**, shortly after the establishment of NIOSH itself. It was created to centralize laboratory research and criteria development for occupational safety and health standards.

### **Organizational Structure**
As a **government agency**, the DLCD operated under the **National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)**, a key federal entity under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its work focused on scientific research to inform workplace safety regulations.

### **Dissolution and Restructuring**
In **1975**, the DLCD was dissolved as part of a broader reorganization within NIOSH. Its functions were divided into two new divisions:
- **NIOSH Division of Biomedical and Behavioral Science** – Focused on health-related research.
- **NIOSH Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering** – Specialized in engineering and physical safety standards.

### **Legacy and Impact**
Though short-lived, the DLCD laid the groundwork for NIOSH’s research divisions, influencing how occupational safety standards were developed and implemented. Its dissolution marked a shift toward more specialized research areas within NIOSH.

### **Related Entities**
- **National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)** – Parent organization.
- **Division of Biomedical and Behavioral Science** – Successor division.
- **Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering** – Successor division.

This structured knowledge entry ensures all provided facts are included without fabrication, maintaining accuracy and relevance.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/R111CKd87twC?gbpv=1&pg=PA106)
2. [Federal Register](https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/FR-1975-12-11)