Byssinosis
Byssinosis, also known as brown lung disease, is a chronic condition that involves small airways obstruction. Common causes of byssinosis are exposures to airborne dusts from hemp, flax, and cotton processing. Byssinosis deaths constitute the smallest proportion of all pneumoconiosis deaths. Fewer than 20 byssinosis deaths occurred annually between 1979 and 1999 (Figure 2–178). Byssinosis deaths are concentrated in the textile-producing States. During the 1990s, more than 50% of byssinosis deaths occurred in Georgia and the Carolinas (Figure 2–179). Yarn, thread, and fabric mills had the highest PMR for byssinosis among industries, and miscellaneous textile machine operators had the highest PMR among occupations (Figure 2–180).
Magnitude and Trend
How did the pattern of byssinosis mortality change during 1979–1999?
 | Figure 2-178 Number of deaths of U.S. residents aged 15 or older with byssinosis recorded as an underlying or contributing cause on the death certificate, 1979-1999. The number of byssinosis deaths was fewer than 20 for each year between 1979 and 1999. During this period, byssinosis was listed as the underlying cause in 50% of the byssinosis deaths. (Source: NIOSH [2002f].) |
Rates among States
How did the rates of byssinosis mortality differ by State during 1990–1999?
 | Figure 2-179 Age-adjusted mortality rates for byssinosis in U.S. residents aged 15 or older by State, 1990-1999. States with the highest byssinosis mortality rates during 1990-1999 were located predominantly in the Southeast in the textile-producing States. During this period, more than half of byssinosis decedents were residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. (Source: NIOSH [2002f].) |
Occupation and Industry
Which industries and occupations were associated with byssinosis mortality during 1990–1999?
 | Figure 2-180 PMRs and 95% confidence intervals for byssinosis in U.S. residents aged 15 or older by industry and occupation, adjusted for age, race, and sex, 1990-1999. Significant byssinosis PMRs were associated with a single industry-yarn, thread, and fabric mills. Among occupations, elevated byssinosis PMRs were associated with miscellaneous textile machine operators, industrial machine repairers, and winding and twisting machine operators. (Note: The figure presents the highest significant PMRs based on five or more deaths.) (Source: NIOSH [2002f].) |
