Respiratory Conditions Due to Toxic Agents
Respiratory conditions due to toxic agents include pneumonitis, pharyngitis,
farmer’s lung, and rhinitis or acute congestion due to chemicals.
During 1972–2001, the number of BLS-estimated cases of respiratory
conditions due to toxic agents ranged from a low of approximately 7,900
cases in 1983 to a high of 25,300 cases in 1994 (Figure 2–199).
Rates varied from a high of 3.1 per 10,000 full-time workers (reported
for 1992–1994) to a low of 1.6 (reported for 1984 and 2000–2001)
(Figure 2–200). Within reporting States in 2001, the number of
cases ranged from fewer than 50 to 1,400 (Figure 2–201). Rates
of occupational respiratory conditions due to toxic agents varied by
State in 2001 from a low of 0.7 per 10,000 full-time workers in Louisiana
to a high of 5.0 in Maine; the U.S. rate was 1.6 per 10,000 full-time
workers (Figure 2–202).
Magnitude and Trend
How did the number of occupational respiratory conditions due to toxic
agents change during 1972–2001?
