American Lung Association of Washington.

Respiratory health advocacy organization of Washington State.

The American Lung Association of Washington promotes respiratory health through advocacy, education, community service, and support of research. Founded in 1906 as the Washington Association for the Prevention and Relief of Tuberculosis, the group changed its name to the Washington Tuberculosis Association in 1919 and to Washington Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease Association in 1971. The many county leagues and associations combined to form the Washington Lung Association in 1973, and in 1981 the name changed again to American Lung Association of Washington. The group's early efforts included the development of traveling clinics, nursing and public health programs, and sanatoria to treat respiratory illnesses. More recent activities include legislation and public awareness programs to address asbestos in Seattle schools and pollution from the Tacoma copper smelter operated by the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO).