Silicosis Mortality, Prevention, and Control, United States, 1968--2002. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 54(16): 401-405, April 29, 2005

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To describe patterns of silicosis mortality in the United States, CDC analyzed data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Occupational Respiratory Mortality System (NORMS) for 1968-2002. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated a decline in silicosis mortality during 1968-2002 and suggested that progress has been made in reducing the incidence of silicosis in the United States. However, silicosis deaths and new cases still occur, even in young workers. Because no effective treatment for silicosis is available, effective control of exposure to crystalline silica in the workplace is crucial.

Author:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics, Office of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Series, CDC MMWR

Audiences:

Infection Control and Occupational Health Workers

Topic:

Infection Control, Surveillance, Workplace Settings