Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic, disabling, fatal lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. The number of deaths due to asbestosis each year increased from 77 in 1968 to 1,265 in 1999 (Figure 2–175). West Virginia and Delaware had the highest asbestosis mortality rates during 1990–1999 (Figure 2–176). Miscellaneous nonmetallic mineral and stone products had the highest asbestosis PMR among industries, and insulation workers and boilermakers had the highest asbestosis PMRs among occupations (Figure 2–177).
Magnitude and Trend
How did the pattern of asbestosis mortality change during 1968–1999?
 | Figure 2-175 Number of deaths of U.S. residents aged 15 or older with asbestosis recorded as an underlying or contributing cause on the death certificate, 1968-1999. The number of asbestosis deaths increased from 77 in 1968 to 1,265 in 1999. During this period, asbestosis was listed each year as the underlying cause in nearly a third of all asbestosis deaths. (Source: NIOSH [2002f].) |
Rates among States
How did asbestosis mortality rates differ by State during 1990–1999?
 | Figure 2-176 Age-adjusted mortality rates for asbestosis in U.S. residents aged 15 or older by State, 1990-1999. Delaware and West Virginia had the highest asbestosis mortality rates during 1990-1999. States in the second highest mortality rate category were predominantly coastal States. All States in these two groupings had asbestosis mortality rates above the U.S. rate of 5.4 per million. (Source: NIOSH [2002f].) |
Occupation and Industry
Which industries and occupations were associated with asbestosis mortality during 1990–1999?
 | Figure 2-177 PMRs and 95% confidence intervals for asbestosis in U.S. residents aged 15 or older by industry and occupation, adjusted for age, race, and sex, 1990-1999. Miscellaneous nonmetallic mineral and stone products and ship and boat building and repairing had the highest significant asbestosis PMRs among industries. Among occupations, insulation workers and boilermakers had the highest asbestosis PMRs. (Note: The figure presents the highest significant PMRs based on 10 or more deaths.) (Source: NIOSH [2002f].) |
