title: Comparative Respiratory Morbidity of Former and Current US Coal Miners.
abstract: We compared the prevalence of respiratory disease in former and current US coal miners using chest radiographs and lung functions collected from 2009 to 2013 among miners of the Appalachian and Interior US coalfields. We calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) of pneumoconiosis and impaired lung function. Significantly higher prevalences of pneumoconiosis (PR = 1.5; 95% confidence interval = 1.2, 2.0) and impaired lung function were observed among former miners compared with active miners. Former miners continue to suffer negative health effects from occupational coal mine dust exposure. The respiratory health of active and former miners is a global concern because international coal production is projected to increase for decades to come.
authors.affiliation: The authors are with the Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV.
authors.forename: Cara N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Halldin
authors.affiliation: The authors are with the Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV.
authors.forename: Anita L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Wolfe
authors.affiliation: The authors are with the Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV.
authors.forename: A Scott
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Laney
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055008:Anthracosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001061:Appalachian Region / Q000453:epidemiology; D003032:Coal Mining / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology