Respiratory Conditions Due to Toxic Agents
Respiratory conditions due to toxic agents include pneumonitis, pharyngitis, farmer’s lung, and rhinitis or acute congestion due to chemicals. During 1972–2001, the number of BLS-estimated cases of respiratory conditions due to toxic agents ranged from a low of approximately 7,900 cases in 1983 to a high of 25,300 cases in 1994 (Figure 2–199). Rates varied from a high of 3.1 per 10,000 full-time workers (reported for 1992–1994) to a low of 1.6 (reported for 1984 and 2000–2001) (Figure 2–200). Within reporting States in 2001, the number of cases ranged from fewer than 50 to 1,400 (Figure 2–201). Rates of occupational respiratory conditions due to toxic agents varied by State in 2001 from a low of 0.7 per 10,000 full-time workers in Louisiana to a high of 5.0 in Maine; the U.S. rate was 1.6 per 10,000 full-time workers (Figure 2–202).
Magnitude and Trend
How did the number of occupational respiratory conditions due to toxic agents change during 1972–2001?
 | Figure 2-199 Number of cases of respiratory conditions due to toxic agents in private industry, 1972-2001. During 1972-2001, the number of BLS-estimated cases of occupational respiratory conditions due to toxic agents ranged from a low of approximately 7,900 cases in 1983 to a high of 25,300 cases in 1994. BLS reported 14,500 cases in 2001. (Source: BLS [2002].) |
How did the rates of occupational respiratory conditions due to toxic agents change during 1984–2001?
 | Figure 2-200 Incidence rates of respiratory conditions due to toxic agents in private industry, 1984-2001. During 1984-2001, BLS reported relatively low rates of respiratory conditions due to toxic agents. The highest rate (3.1 per 10,000 full-time workers) was reported for 1992-1994, and the lowest rate (1.6) was reported for 1984 and 2000-2001. Respiratory conditions due to toxic agents accounted for approximately 4%-5% of all reported illness cases. (Source: BLS [2002].) |
Numbers and Rates among States
How did the number of occupational respiratory conditions due to toxic agents differ by State in 2001?
 | Figure 2-201 Number of respiratory conditions due to toxic agents in private industry by State, 2001. The number of respiratory conditions due to toxic agents within reporting States in 2001 ranged from fewer than 50 cases to 1,400. BLS reported 14,500 cases in 2001. States with the highest numbers of these conditions included California (1,400), Michigan (900), Texas (700), North Carolina (700), and New York (700). (Source: BLS [2002].) |
How did the rates of occupational respiratory conditions due to toxic agents differ by State in 2001?
 | Figure 2-202 Incidence rates for respiratory conditions due to toxic agents in private industry by State, 2001. In 2001, incidence rates of occupational respiratory conditions due to toxic agents varied by State from a low of 0.7 per 10,000 full-time workers in Louisiana to a high of 5.0 in Maine. The U.S. rate was 1.6 per 10,000 full-time workers. Lower rates were reported for Southern, Southwestern, and Western States. (Source: BLS [2002].) |
