Progressive Massive Fibrosis Resurgence Identified in U.S. Coal Miners Filing for Black Lung Benefits, 1970-2016.

ABSTRACT: RATIONALE:There has been a resurgence of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) in the United States, particularly among central Appalachian miners. OBJECTIVES:We characterized the proportion of PMF among former U.S. coal miners applying for Federal Black Lung Program benefits, 1970-2016. METHODS:Data from the U.S. Department of Labor were used to characterize trends in proportion of PMF cases, defined as an approved black lung claim with a determination of PMF, among all miners who filed for federal benefits between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 2016. Joinpoint, logistic, and linear regression models were used to identify changes in the proportion of claimants with PMF over time. RESULTS:There were 4,679 unique PMF cases among claimants for federal black lung benefits between 1970 and 201

SUBMITTER: Almberg KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6528482 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature