Dynamics of the occupational respiratory diseases in Bulgaria in the period 2009-2016

Abstract

Abstract Background The number of occupational respiratory diseases has declined in recent years in Bulgaria. This is the result of technological advance, mechanization and automation of the processes generating high levels of dust in the work environment; adequate ventilation; personal protective equipment and, last but not least, the training of workers on preventive approaches. Methods The aim of the study is to find out the trends of registered occupational respiratory diseases in Bulgaria in 2009-2016, according to official statistics. Analytical and statistical methods were used. Results In 2016, the number of occupational diseases (n = 33), registered in Bulgaria decreased by 71.55% compared to 2009 (n = 116). In 2009, the relative share of silicosis from respiratory occupational diseases was 47.54% (n = 29), while in 2016 it grew to 64.29% (n = 9). Its share is also increasing as part of all occupational diseases in Bulgaria from 25% in 2009 to 27,27% in 2016. The registered cases of chronic rhinitis, nasopharyngitis and pharyngitis for the whole period are only 2, of professional asthma - 3; of chronic bronchitis - 5, less than cases of asbestosis - 9. In 2009, there were five reported cases of talcosis and the total number of cases of siderosis was 23 for the period of eight years. There are 4 cases of other pneumoconiosis and 2 of pneumoconiosis associated with tuberculosis, as well as 10 cases of toxic pulmonary fibrosis during the whole period. Conclusions It is worth noting the small number of occupational respiratory diseases that could be caused by other factors not necessarily related to the work environment, such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, although they are significantly more frequent than those mandatory caused by occupational hazards such as silicosis, asbestosis and toxic pulmonary fibrosis. This means that a significant proportion of these cases are counted as common chronic non-communicable diseases with significant negative social consequences. Key messages The registered occupational respiratory diseases decrease, but the relative share of those with strictly professional etiology, such as silicosis, is growing. A significant proportion of occupational respiratory diseases are reported as chronic non-communicable diseases.