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Current Environmental Health Reports Sep 2019This review summarizes recent research on pneumoconiosis in coal workers following the identification of the resurgence of this disease among US coal miners in the early... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review summarizes recent research on pneumoconiosis in coal workers following the identification of the resurgence of this disease among US coal miners in the early 2000s. We describe the impact of this research and how this has led to increased public attention, benefitting affected miners.
RECENT FINDINGS
The latest research shows that the prevalence of pneumoconiosis, including progressive massive fibrosis, continues to increase, especially in central Appalachia. Contributing factors may include mining of thin coal seams or cutting rock to access coal, which may expose miners to coal mine dust with a higher content of silica and silicates than in the past. The impact of recently implemented changes, such as the reduced occupational exposure limit for respirable coal mine dust and the introduction of continuous personal dust monitors, will likely take years to appropriately evaluate.
Topics: Adult; Appalachian Region; Coal; Coal Mining; Dust; Humans; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Pneumoconiosis; Prevalence; Silicosis; United States
PubMed: 31302880
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-019-00237-5 -
Journal of Occupational and... Oct 2014To provide an update on respiratory diseases caused by coal mine dust. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To provide an update on respiratory diseases caused by coal mine dust.
METHODS
This article presents the results of a literature review initially performed for an International Conference on Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease held in summer 2013.
RESULTS
Coal mine dust causes a spectrum of lung diseases collectively termed coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD). These include Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis, silicosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis, dust-related diffuse fibrosis (which can be mistaken for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CMDLD continues to be a problem in the United States, particularly in the central Appalachian region. Treatment of CMDLD is symptomatic. Those with end-stage disease are candidates for lung transplantation. Because CMDLD cannot be cured, prevention is critical.
CONCLUSIONS
Coal mine dust remains a relevant occupational hazard and miners remain at risk for CMDLD.
Topics: Aged; Anthracosis; Cause of Death; Coal; Cost of Illness; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Dust; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Population Surveillance; United States
PubMed: 25285970
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000260 -
British Medical Journal May 1948
Topics: Anthracosis; Coal; Humans; Pneumoconiosis
PubMed: 18860437
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.1.4560.1015 -
La Medicina Del Lavoro Feb 2023The study aimed to examine the conditions and factors affecting pneumoconiosis cases to determine the dimensions of the pneumoconiosis problem.
BACKGROUND
The study aimed to examine the conditions and factors affecting pneumoconiosis cases to determine the dimensions of the pneumoconiosis problem.
METHODS
This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary research hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2021. Five hundred ninety-seven patients with pneumo- coniosis were included in the study.
RESULTS
Large opacities were detected in 157 cases. When we compared cases with and without Pulmonary Massive Fibrosis (PMF), age and concomitant pulmonary disease were higher in PMF cases, which also showed lower FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. PMF was more frequent in subjects with long dust exposure duration (more than 20 years) and concomitant pulmonary diseases, particularly tuberculosis. Three occupations, sandblasters, dental technicians, and ceramic workers, showed the earliest onset of pneumoconiosis.
CONCLUSIONS
The study presents pneumoconiosis data in a mixed and large population and contributes to the imple- mentation of evidence-based policies and interventions for countries like Turkey striving to cope with the problem of pneumoconiosis.
Topics: Humans; Turkey; Retrospective Studies; Pneumoconiosis; Tuberculosis; Occupations; Dust
PubMed: 36790410
DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v114i1.13215 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2022This study aims to determine the occupational health status of workers exposed to dust and the risk factors of lung function decline, to provide a basis for formulating...
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to determine the occupational health status of workers exposed to dust and the risk factors of lung function decline, to provide a basis for formulating corresponding occupational disease-prevention strategies.
METHODS
Data on 2045 workers exposed to dust, including their age, gender, exposure time, chest X-ray test results, and pulmonary function test results, were obtained from a key occupational disease monitoring project in Chongqing, China, in 2021. Chi-square tests and multifactorial logistic regression, and other methods, were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
The prevalence of pneumoconiosis-like changes was 0.83% (17/2045), and the prevalence of abnormal forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV/FVC was 4.25% (87/2045), 12.81% (262/2045), and 1.47% (30/2045), respectively. With increasing worker's age, the prevalence of abnormal pneumoconiosis-like changes ( = 0.0065), FEV ( = 0.0002), FVC ( < 0.0001), and FEV/FVC ( = 0.0055) all increased. Factors such as age, exposure duration, enterprise size, and dust exposure concentration were associated with abnormal lung function.
CONCLUSIONS
Workers exposed to occupational dust have a high rate of abnormal lung function. The government, enterprises, and individuals should pay attention to occupational dust exposure, and various effective measures should be actively taken to protect the life and health of workers.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Dust; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Lung; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Pneumoconiosis; Vital Capacity
PubMed: 36078779
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711065 -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine Dec 2022The prevalence of pneumoconiosis among working United States underground coal miners has been increasing for the past two decades, with the highest rates of disease...
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of pneumoconiosis among working United States underground coal miners has been increasing for the past two decades, with the highest rates of disease observed among miners in the central Appalachian states of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Surveillance for this disease in the United States focuses on working coal miners, who continue to be occupationally exposed to dust. This study examines the radiographic evidence for postexposure progression of pneumoconiosis in a population of former coal miners no longer occupationally exposed to coal mine dust who were seen at a community radiology clinic in eastern Kentucky.
METHODS
Data were obtained and analyzed from clinical records of former coal miners who had a clinic encounter during January 1, 2017-August 1, 2019, a recorded final year of employment, and ≥2 postemployment digital chest radiographs. Radiographs were classified according to the International Labour Office guidelines by at least two B Readers. A final summary pneumoconiosis severity score (range, 0-13), accounting for both small and large opacities, was assigned to each chest radiograph. Progression was defined as an increase in severity score between a miner's radiographs over time.
RESULTS
Data for 130 former coal miners were analyzed. All miners were male and most (n = 114, 88%) had worked primarily in Kentucky. Information on race/ethnicity was not available. The most common job types were roof bolters (n = 51, 39%) and continuous miner operators (n = 46, 35%). Forty-one (31.5%) miners had evidence of radiographic disease progression after leaving the workforce, with a median of 3.6 years between first and latest postretirement radiograph. A total of 80 (62%) miners had evidence of pneumoconiosis on their latest radiograph, and two-thirds (n = 53) of these were classified as progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), the most severe form of the disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Postexposure progression can occur in former coal miners, emphasizing the potential benefits of continued radiographic follow-up postemployment. In addition to participating in disease screening throughout their careers to detect pneumoconiosis early and facilitate intervention, radiographic follow-up of former coal miners can identify new or progressive radiographic findings even after workplace exposure to respirable coal mine dust ends. Identification of progressive pneumoconiosis in former miners has potential implications for clinical management and eligibility for disability compensation.
Topics: Male; Humans; United States; Female; Coal Mining; Pneumoconiosis; Miners; Dust; Coal
PubMed: 36161659
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23431 -
La Medicina Del Lavoro Feb 2022Radiological identification of lung masses in patients with pneumoconiosis is difficult. The aim of the study is to characterize Computed Tomography (CT) findings of...
PURPOSE
Radiological identification of lung masses in patients with pneumoconiosis is difficult. The aim of the study is to characterize Computed Tomography (CT) findings of Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF).
METHODS
The data of pneumoconiosis patients, who were diagnosed with PMF between 2014-2019 in a tertiary hospital, were collected. Demographic data, work-related data, Pulmonary Function Test results and radiological imaging results were gathered. Separate evaluations were made for the right and left lungs, and the CT findings and measurement results were recorded.
RESULTS
In 90% of our cases, PMF lesions were bilaterally located. Eighty-eight point five percent of the unilateral lesions were located in the upper lobe of the right lung. Enlarged lymph nodes were found in 83.3% and calcification was found in the lymph nodes in 63% of the cases. Band structures extending between the PMF lesion and the adjacent pleura were observed in 86% of the cases, and invagination in the lung parenchyma adjacent to the PMF was observed in 80% of the cases.
CONCLUSION
In general, our findings were consistent with the radiologically defined PMF. In addition, pleural findings, which are not frequently studied in the literature except for asbestosis, were also described in the study.
METHODS
The data of pneumoconiosis patients, who were diagnosed with PMF between 2014-2019 in a tertiary hospital, were collected. Demographic data, work-related data, PFT results and radiological imaging results were noted. Separate evaluations were made for the right and left lungs, and the CT findings and measurement results were recorded.
RESULTS
In 90% of our cases, PMF lesions were bilaterally located. 88.8% of the unilateral lesions were located in the upper lobe of the right lung. Enlarged lymph nodes were found in 83.3% and calcification was found in the lymph nodes in 63% of the cases. Band structures extending between the PMF lesion and the adjacent pleura were observed in 86% of the cases, and invagination in the lung parenchyma adjacent to the PMF was observed in 80% of the cases.
CONCLUSION
In general, our findings were consistent with the radiologically defined PMF. In addition, pleural findings, which are not frequently studied in the literature except asbestosis, were also described in the study.
Topics: Asbestosis; Fibrosis; Humans; Lung; Pneumoconiosis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35226653
DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v113i1.12303 -
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia :... 2006The most prevalent pneumoconioses are silicosis, asbestosis and coal worker's pneumoconiosis. Other pneumoconioses that have distinct clinical, functional and structural... (Review)
Review
The most prevalent pneumoconioses are silicosis, asbestosis and coal worker's pneumoconiosis. Other pneumoconioses that have distinct clinical, functional and structural repercussions are caused by inhalation of metal powder in fumes from metals or organic salts. The distinction in terms of the chemical form of the inhaled compound is related to the tissue reaction and to the prognosis. Simple pneumoconiosis, siderosis, berylliosis and phosphate rock-related pneumoconiosis, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by exposure to heavy metals, are succinctly discussed. As an instrument of etiologic investigation of these pneumoconioses, the taking of occupational histories is essential.
Topics: Dust; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Pneumoconiosis; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Fibrosis
PubMed: 17273600
DOI: 10.1590/s1806-37132006000800010 -
Journal of Korean Medical Science Dec 2010This study identifies the number of pneumoconiosis patients after eliminating deceased patients between 2003 and 2008 as of January 1st and estimates it for the next... (Review)
Review
This study identifies the number of pneumoconiosis patients after eliminating deceased patients between 2003 and 2008 as of January 1st and estimates it for the next five years. From 2003 to 2008, the pneumoconiosis patients were 16,929, 17,224, 17,366, 17,566, 17,542, and 17,546, respectively. The number of pneumoconiosis patients will have increased by 1,014 from 2008 to 18,560 in 2013 after applying the average change rates taken from 2003 to 2007. It takes 15-20 yr to develop coal workers' pneumoconiosis (the main cause in Korea) and patients will continue to be diagnosed with pneumoconiosis for some years to come since it has only been 20 yr since the decline of the coal mining industry in Korea. In addition, pneumoconiosis patients are increasing in industries in which the risk of pneumoconiosis was relatively low shows the necessity to improve dust-exposed workplace environments.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Anthracosis; Coal Mining; Dust; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Pneumoconiosis; Republic of Korea
PubMed: 21258585
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2010.25.S.S13 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2021This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model to assist radiologists in pneumoconiosis screening and staging using chest radiographs. The model,...
This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model to assist radiologists in pneumoconiosis screening and staging using chest radiographs. The model, based on chest radiographs, was developed using a training cohort and validated using an independent test cohort. Every image in the training and test datasets were labeled by experienced radiologists in a double-blinded fashion. The computational model started by segmenting the lung field into six subregions. Then, convolutional neural network classification model was used to predict the opacity level for each subregion respectively. Finally, the diagnosis for each subject (normal, stage I, II, or III pneumoconiosis) was determined by summarizing the subregion-based prediction results. For the independent test cohort, pneumoconiosis screening accuracy was 0.973, with both sensitivity and specificity greater than 0.97. The accuracy for pneumoconiosis staging was 0.927, better than that achieved by two groups of radiologists (0.87 and 0.84, respectively). This study develops a deep learning-based model for screening and staging of pneumoconiosis using man-annotated chest radiographs. The model outperformed two groups of radiologists in the accuracy of pneumoconiosis staging. This pioneer work demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of AI-assisted radiography screening and diagnosis in occupational lung diseases.
Topics: Databases as Topic; Deep Learning; Humans; Mass Screening; Models, Biological; Pneumoconiosis; Radiologists; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 33500426
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77924-z