Epidemiological data on US coal miners' pneumoconiosis, 1960 to 1988.
OBJECTIVE
Statistics on prevalence of pneumoconiosis among working underground coal miners based on epidemiologic data collected between 1960 and 1988 are presented. The main intent was to examine the time-related trend in prevalence, particularly after 1969, when substantially lower dust levels were mandated by federal act.


METHODS
Data from studies undertaken between 1960 and 1968 were collected and compared. Information for the period 1969 to 1988 was extracted from a large ongoing national epidemiologic study. Tenure-specific prevalence rates and summary statistics derived from the latter data for four consecutive time intervals within the 19-year period were calculated and compared.


RESULTS
The results indicate a reduction in pneumoconiosis over time. The trend is similar to that seen in a large radiologic surveillance program of underground miners operated concurrently.


CONCLUSIONS
Although such factors as x-ray reader variation, changes in x-ray standards, and worker self-selection for examination may have influenced the findings to some extent, adjusted summary rates reveal a reduction in prevalence concurrent with reductions in coal mine dust levels mandated by federal act in 1969.
Attfield
M D
MD
Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505.
Castellan
R M
RM
D000328:Adult; D003032:Coal Mining; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009314:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011009:Pneumoconiosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000145:classification / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology