Really?
Research indicates there may be a 40% increase in the rate of cancer. Pulmonary function studies demonstrate measurable changes over the course of a week in painters, beginning on Monday and monitoring daily spirometry through Friday, that indicates significant small airway disease. Longer term studies have demonstrated more significant pathological changes over longer periods of time, especially if the painter also smokes (of course). Even incidental exposures are demonstrated to cause pneumonitis.
Now, this is research, not conclusive....but I would say it is very significant. In fact, the matter is significant enough that it is specifically tested on the United States Medical License Exam that all US doctors take. In other words, all doctors are supposed to be aware of it and on the look-out for it.
So, it isn't an "official epidemic", but there is a recognized pattern of significant pathology associated.
I have also mentioned pneumoconiosis before in association with machining things like MOP. You guys need to take these things serious and please be careful. Read and understand the MSDS sheets and use all recommended precautions.