Authors
Reynolds LE; Blackley DJ; Laney AS; Halldin CN
Source
Am J Ind Med 2017 Jun; 60(6):513-517
Abstract
Background: Recent NIOSH publications have focused on the respiratory health of coal miners in central Appalachia, yet 57% of U.S. coal miners work in other regions. We characterized respiratory morbidity in coal miners from these regions. Methods: Active coal miners working outside of central Appalachia who received chest radiographs and/or spirometry during 2005-2015 were included. Chest radiographs were classified according to International Labour Office standards and spirometry was interpreted using the American Thoracic Society guidelines. Prevalence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and abnormal spirometry were compared by region. Results: A total of 103 (2.1%) miners had CWP. The eastern region had the highest prevalence (3.4%), followed by the western (1.7%), and interior (0.8%) regions. A total of 524 (9.3%) miners had abnormal spirometry. Conclusions: CWP occurs in all U.S. coal mining regions. Prevalence of CWP was higher in the eastern region, but lower than levels reported in central Appalachia.
Keywords
Respiratory health; Respiratory function; Coal workers; Coal miners; Coal mines; Morbidity rates; Radiography; Spirometry; Pneumoconiosis; Statistical analysis; Lung function; Lung disorders; Lung; Lung disease; Respiratory system disorders; Pulmonary system disorders; Pulmonary function; Surveillance; Surveillance programs; Morbidity rates;
Author Keywords: coal mining; coal workers' pneumoconiosis; lung function impairment; reduced lung function; surveillance
Contact
Laura E. Reynolds, MPH, BSN, RN, Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1095 Willowdale Rd, Mail Stop HG900.2, Morgantown, WV 26505-2888
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
lwy3@cdc.gov
Source Name
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
