Assessment of the Respiratory Health of Working US Coal Miners Since 2014-Radiography, Spirometry, and Symptom Assessments.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The aim of the study is to summarize Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program findings since 2014, focusing on prevalence of radiographic pneumoconiosis and abnormal spirometry by region.

Methods

Analysis included the most recent Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program encounter for working miners during October 1, 2014-June 30, 2022. Central Appalachia consists of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Results

Pneumoconiosis prevalence was highest among underground miners, with 318 (6.2%) having radiographic evidence of disease. Central Appalachian miners were more likely to have evidence of pneumoconiosis (relative risk = 4.1 [3.4-5.0]) and abnormal spirometry (relative risk = 1.4 [1.2-1.6]) compared with all others.

Conclusions

Central Appalachi

SUBMITTER: Hall NB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11348286 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature