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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2008; 29(6): 591-602
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1101269
© Thieme Medical Publishers

The Burden of Exposure-Related Diffuse Lung Disease

Sheryl R. Goldyn1 , Rany Condos1 , William N. Rom1
  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 February 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Estimating the burden of exposure-related diffuse lung disease in terms of health effects and economic burden remains challenging. Labor statistics are inadequate to define the scope of the problem, and few studies have analyzed the prevalence of exposure-related illnesses and the subsequent health care cost. Well-defined exposures, such as those associated with coal mines, asbestos mines, and stonecutting, have led to more accurate assessment of prevalence and cost. As governmental regulation of workplace exposure has increased, the prevalence of diseases such as silicosis and coal workers' pneumoconiosis has diminished. However, the health and economic effects of diseases with long latency periods, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, continue to increase in the short term. Newer exposures, such as those related to air pollution, nylon flock, and the World Trade Center collapse, have added to these costs. As a result, estimates of cost for occupational diseases, including respiratory illnesses, exceed $26 billion annually, and the true economic burden is likely much higher.

KEYWORDS

Burden - occupational exposure - pneumoconiosis - interstitial lung disease

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William N RomM.D. M.P.H. 

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, NYU School of Medicine

462 First Ave., NB7N24, New York, NY 10016

Email: william.rom@med.nyu.edu

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