Dust Diseases of the Lungs
BLS defines dust diseases of the lungs (pneumoconioses) to include silicosis, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases, CWP, byssinosis, siderosis, and other pneumoconioses. During 1972–2001, the number of BLS-estimated dust diseases of the lungs ranged from a low of approximately 1,000 cases in 1975 to a high of 3,500 cases in 1996; BLS reported 1,300 cases in 2001 (Figure 2–195). Rates varied during 1984–2001 from a high of 0.5 per 10,000 full-time workers in 1986 and in 1987 to a low of 0.1 in 2001. The overall trend during this period was downward (Figure 2–196). Within reporting States in 2001, the number of cases ranged from fewer than 50 to 200 (Figure 2–197). Rates varied by State in 2001, from a low of 0.1 per 10,000 full-time workers in most States to a high of 3.8 per 10,000 full-time workers in West Virginia; the U.S. rate was 0.1 per 10,000 full-time workers (Figure 2–198).
Magnitude and Trend
How did the number of cases of occupational dust diseases of the lungs change during 1972–2001?
 | Figure 2–195 Number of cases of dust diseases of the lungs in private industry, 1972–2001. During 1972–2001, the number of BLS-estimated dust diseases of the lungs ranged from a low of approximately 1,000 cases in 1975 to a high of 3,500 cases in 1996. BLS reported 1,300 cases in 2001. (Source: BLS [2002].) |
How did the rates of occupational dust diseases of the lungs change during 1984–2001?
 | Figure 2–196 Incidence rates of dust diseases of the lungs in private industry, 1984–2001. During 1984–2001, BLS reported incidence rates of dust diseases of the lungs ranging from a high of 0.5 per 10,000 full-time workers in 1986 and in 1987 to a low of 0.1 in 2001. The overall trend during this period was downward. Dust diseases of the lungs are the least prevalent of the illness conditions, accounting for approximately 1% of all reported illness cases. (Source: BLS [2002].) |
Numbers and Rates among States
How did the number of occupational dust diseases of the lungs differ by State in 2001?
 | Figure 2–197 Number of cases of dust diseases of the lungs in private industry by State, 2001. The number of dust diseases of the lungs within reporting States ranged from fewer than 50 cases to 200 in 2001. BLS reported 1,300 cases of dust diseases of the lung in 2001. Eight States (California, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia) reported 100 or more cases. (Source: BLS [2002].) |
How did the rates of occupational dust diseases of the lungs differ by State in 2001?
 | Figure 2–198 Incidence rates for dust diseases of the lungs in private industry by State, 2001. Rates for occupational dust diseases of the lungs varied by State in 2001, from a low of 0.1 per 10,000 full-time workers in most States to a high of 3.8 per 10,000 full-time workers in West Virginia. The U.S. rate was 0.1 per 10,000 full-time workers. Lower rates were reported for States in the South, the Southwest, and the West. (Source: BLS [2002].) |
