Previously undetected silicosis in New Jersey decedents.
BACKGROUND
Despite a reported decline in mortality and hospitalizations associated with silicosis [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999], this decline may be artifactual, stemming in part from underdiagnosis by physicians.


METHODS
This study estimates, through radiological confirmation, the prevalence of unrecognized silicosis in a group of silica-exposed New Jersey decedents whose cause of death was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, or cor pulmonale. Two expert readers re-evaluated the chest X-rays of this group to determine the presence or absence of silicosis. The study population was considered to be presumptively exposed to silica dust by virtue of their usual industry of employment as listed on the death certificate.


RESULTS
Radiographic evidence of silicosis was found in 8.5% of this population, and evidence of asbestosis was found in another 10.7%, for a total of 19.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
The existence of previously unrecognized silicosis and asbestosis in 19.2% of this study group suggests that occupational lung disease is under-recognized and, hence, undercounted.
Goodwin
Susan S
SS
Department of Health Quantitative Sciences, Room 213, The Learning Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA. susan.goodwin@nymc.edu
Stanbury
Martha
M
Wang
Mei-Lin
ML
Silbergeld
Ellen
E
Parker
John E
JE
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009515:New Jersey / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D015995:Prevalence; D011859:Radiography; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D012829:Silicosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality
D012822:Silicon Dioxide