New Cases Of Pneumoconiosis Research Articles

Coupled diffusion law of windflow-gas-dust in tunnel energy extraction processes and the location of optimal pollution control exhaust duct

Coal resources play an important role in the world's energy development. China's coal consumption in 2022 was as high as 88.41 EJ. However, the process of energy extraction generates dust and gas, which is a serious threat to efficient production and workers' health. More than 7000 new cases of pneumoconiosis are diagnosed in China each year. To improve this situation, numerical simulation experiments were used to obtain the coupling diffusion law of airflow-gas-dust during tunnel excavation under long-pressure short-extraction ventilation and to determine the optimal distance of the exhaust duct from the working face (LE) for the purpose of cleaner production. Our experimental results demonstrated that the spatial and temporal evolution of gas-dust coupling largely depends on the distribution of the airflow field. By comparing the concentration distribution of gas and dust at different distances from the working face, the average gas concentration in the tunnels was found to be low (0.249 %) when LE=4m. Furthermore, the average dust concentration in the tunnel was the lowest (242.5 mg/m3) and therefore the least harmful to workers. The optimal exhaust duct distance was LE=4m, which not only reduces the environmental pollution in a tunnel but also ensures the occupational health of workers.

Characteristics of pneumoconiosis in Zhejiang Province, China from 2006 to 2020: a descriptive study

BackgroundPneumoconiosis is the most prevalent occupational disease and displays different patterns in each province of China. Clarifying specific incidence patterns and temporal trends in Zhejiang Province can help provide valuable information on the prevention of pneumoconiosis.MethodsAnnual reports of pneumoconiosis for Zhejiang Province from 2006 to 2020 were extracted from the National Occupational Disease and Occupational Health Information Monitoring System. The information of cases included regions, diagnosis ages, genders, exposure durations, pneumoconiosis categories and stages, the first year of exposure, enterprise industries, scales and ownerships.ResultsTotally 6037 new cases of pneumoconiosis were reported between 2006 and 2020, which increased at first and then gradually declined since 2013. Among all pneumoconiosis cases, silicosis accounted for the majority (72.17%). Most of the cases occurred in small-scale and domestic-funded enterprises, which accounted for 71.75% and 96.97%, respectively. When analyzing the industry distribution, the cases were mainly concentrated in mining (37.12%), manufacturing (31.11%) and ‘public administration and social organization’ (23.94%) industry. The average diagnosis age among the pneumoconiosis cases was 55.44 years, and the median exposure duration was 11.00 years. Significantly older diagnosis age and longer exposure duration were found in females, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis cases, cases with higher stages, cases with the first year of dust exposure earlier and cases from large-scale companies. In regional distribution, the top three cities reporting the most pneumoconiosis cases in Zhejiang Province were Taizhou, Quzhou and Hangzhou.ConclusionThe current situation of pneumoconiosis in Zhejiang Province was still serious, and government should further strengthen the surveillance of occupational diseases and supervision of enterprises. Moreover, publicity and education regarding pneumoconiosis should be carried out to raise awareness of dust exposure risk and associated health consequences.

Mining dust as a health threat to employees of extraction departments of coal mines

Mining dust as a health threat to employees of extraction departments of coal mines

A retrospective investigation of new cases of pneumoconiosis from 1958 to 2018 in Guangzhou City

Objective: To describe the characteristics and the survival status of pneumoconiosis cases reported in Guangzhou City from 1958 to 2018, and to investigate the epidemiological trends of pneumoconiosis. This study is aiming to provide basic data for formulating the guidelines and policies for control of pneumoconiosis, and for evaluating the control effects of pneumoconiosis. Methods: From July 2019 to January 2020, based on the data collected in the pneumoconiosis case cards and database as well as the retrospective follow-up investigate of pneumoconiosis cases, we conducted a descriptive analysis for all the new cases of pneumoconiosis reported from 1958 to 2018 in Guangzhou City. The statistical indices included the number of new pneumoconiosis cases in each decade, types of pneumoconiosis, regional and industrial distributions, survival status, and the change tendency of the diagnosis age and the dust exposure time of pneumoconiosis cases. Results: From 1958 to 2018, a total of 1194 new cases of pneumoconiosis were reported in Guangzhou City, including 1147 males (96.1%) and 47 females (3.9%) . Silicosis (60.1%, 718/1194) and welder's pneumoconiosis (21.5%, 257/1194) were the main types of pneumoconiosis. The top three districts for reporting new cases were Huangpu District (29.0%, 346/1194) , Nansha District (12.6%, 151/1194) and Baiyun District (11.1%, 132/1194) , respectively. The top three industries for reporting new cases were civil engineering construction industry (25.0%, 298/1194) , railway ship aerospace and other transportation equipment manufacturing industry (16.1%, 192/1194) and non-metal mining industry (15.7%, 187/1194) . The diagnosis age for new cases was 47.8 (23.6-79.1) years old, and the dust exposure time was 12.3 (0.4-49.1) years. Both of these two statistical indicators rose first and fell later from 1958 to 2018. As of December 31, 2019, a total of 963 new cases of pneumoconiosis were followed up, of which 467 (48.5%) survived, mainly silicosis (41.3%, 193/467) and welder's pneumoconiosis (43.3%, 203/467) . 496 cases (51.5%) died, and the age of death was 69.9 (32.4-96.9) years old. Conclusion: According to the epidemiological characteristics of pneumoconiosis in Guangzhou, we should focus on key districts and industries in the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis. Besides, the staffs in the occupational disease diagnosis institutions should try the best to collect the complete dust exposure data of new cases of pneumoconiosis. Moreover, the health administrative departments should pay more attention to the management of pneumoconiosis death case reports.

Investigation of epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors on dust-exposed working age of pneumoconiosis cases in a city

Objective: To investigate epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors on dust-exposed working years of pneumoconiosis cases in Yantai. Methods: In January 2020, By Cluster sampling way, Using descriptive statistics to analyze dust-exposed working years of the reported 3307 new cases of pneumoconiosis from 2009 to 2019 in Yantai. Analyzing the variation trends by the chi-square trend test. Analyzing single fator by chi-square test. Using multiple classification Logistic Regression analysis to analyze multiple influencing factors. Results: The dust-exposed working age of pneumoconiosis cases decreased by years (P<0.05) . The starting age of dust exposure of cases increased year by year, while positively correlated with the dust-exposed working age (r=-0.217, P<0.05) . The years of dust exposure, starting age of dust exposure, industry, type of economy and scale of enterprise were main influence factors on the dust-exposed working age of pneumoconiosis cases. Conclusion: We should strengthen the management on prevention and control condition of pneumoconiosis in metal smelting and processing industry and privately-owned, small and micro enterprises, and pay attention to workers starting exposed to dust in the age of ≥28 years old.

Analysis of influencing factors of pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors of pneumoconiosis complicated with tuberculosis in order to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the preventive strategies. Methods: From July 2019 to January 2020, all occupational pneumoconiosis patients reported in Guangzhou from 1958 to 2018 were investigated retrospectively (n=1155) . The basic data (including gender, diagnosis time, diagnosis age, dust exposure duration, period, pneumoconiosis disease type, work type and industry) were obtained from pneumoconiosis case card and network report database. The data of pulmonary tuberculosis were collected from the occupational disease diagnosis files of Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Hospital, and were supplemented by telephone follow-up. The distribution of pneumoconiosis and tuberculosis in Guangzhou was analyzed. Binary logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the influencing factors of pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Results: Among the 1155 new cases of pneumoconiosis, 357 cases were pneumoconiosis tuberculosis, and the complication rate of tuberculosis was 30.9%. Year of diagnosis, age of diagnosis, dust exposure duration, pneumoconiosis caused by mineral dust and construction industry were influencing factors for pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis (OR=0.948, 1.048, 0.972, 3.112, 2.815, P<0.05) . After the adjustment of gender, diagnosis year, diagnosis age, dust exposure duration and diagnosis period, the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in rock drilling workers was 1.462 times higher than that in other types of work (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The complication rate of tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis is relatively high. The main influencing factors are the year of diagnosis, age of diagnosis, dust exposure duration, the type of pneumoconiosis and the industry. The importance of occupational health examination and health education on prevention and treatment of tuberculosis should be emphasized among dust-exposed workers and pneumoconiosis patients. People with susceptibility factors are the top priority.

Analysis of Risk Factors that are Related to Lung Respiratory Symptoms

Lung respiratory symptoms are a collection of symptoms impairment in the functions of pulmonary due to accumulation high concentration of dust particle. The impact of lung respiratory symptoms is pneumoconiosisdisease. 30%-50% of all occupational diseases are because of pneumoconiosis and 40,000 new cases of pneumoconiosis are caused by workplace dust exposure. The aim of the research is to analysis the risk factors related to lung respiratory symptoms in workers in PT. X West Java. The research used a cross-sectional study which was conducted in PT X with 65 respondents selected by proportional random sampling. Data was collected by interview, observation and measuring. The instrument was used in this research is a questionnaire American Thoracic Societ (ATS) standard consisting of 36 respiratory symptoms lung, low volume sampler, thermohigrometer, scale and microtois equipment. There were 55.4% respondents have respiratory symptoms lungs. The statistical results showed significant correlation of respiratory symptoms lungs with levels of dust total (p = 0.0001, PR=2,813), temperature (p=0,007, PR=0,491), humidity (p=0.0001, PR=7,925), and age (p=0,049, PR=0,615), while the daily of exposure (p=0,498, PR=1,853), smoking habit (0.038, PR=1.944), nutritional status (p=0,418, PR=1,211) and disease history (p=0,247, PR=1,879) were not associated with respiratory symptoms lung on workers PT. X West Java. The Respiratory symptoms lung was a symptom that the cause of the environment and the capacity of the worker&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: respiratory symptoms lung, dust total levels, temperature, humidity, smoking habit

Epidemiological characteristics of new pneumoconiosis in different industries in Tianjin

Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics of new pneumoconiosis in different industries in Tianjin from 2009 to 2018, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis. Methods: In November 2019, the data of new pneumoconiosis cases in Tianjin from 2009 to 2018 were collected and classified according to difference industries. The epidemiological characteristics of new pneumoconiosis in different industries were analyzed based on time, type of pneumoconiosis, type of work, age, and working age. Results: A total of 4657 new cases of pneumoconiosis were reported in Tianjin from 2009 to 2018, 4640 cases (99.63%) in the first stage, 13 cases (0.28%) in the second stage, and 4 case (0.09%) in the third stage. The number of new cases increased with time and then decreased. Among them, there were 3482 males (74.77%) and 1175 females (25.23%) . The proportion of women with new pneumoconiosis in the non-metallic mineral products industry was the highest, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . There are differences in the distribution of new pneumoconiosis species in different industries (χ(2)=4920.11, P<0.05) . Silicosis is mainly distributed in non-metallic mineral products industry, metal smelting and rolling processing industry, petroleum processing coking and nuclear fuel processing industries. Foundry worker's pneumoconiosis is mainly distributed in the general equipment manufacturing industry and special equipment manufacturing industry, and cement pneumoconiosis is mainly distributed in the non-metallic mineral products industry. The types of work are mainly distributed in smelting, casting, raw materials and forming workers, and the sum of the three accounts for 36.46% (1689/4657) . The M (P(25), P(75)) of diagnosis age was 56.0 (50.0, 63.0) years, and the M (P(25), P(75)) of working age was 19.0 (16.0, 26.0) years. The working age of new pneumoconiosis patients in the petroleum processing, coking and nuclear fuel processing industries is 19.0 (16.0, 26.0) years, which is shorter than that of other industries (P<0.05) ; The diagnostic age of the general equipment manufacturing industry is 54.0 (49.0, 59.0) years, which is less than that of other industries (P<0.05) . New pneumoconiosis is mainly distributed in large and medium-sized enterprises. New cases of pneumoconiosis in non-metallic mineral products industry, metal smelting, calendar processing industry and general equipment manufacturing industry are mainly distributed in large and medium-sized enterprises. New cases of pneumoconiosis in the metal products industry, special equipment manufacturing industry and petroleum processing, coking and nuclear fuel processing industries are mainly distributed in large enterprises. Conclusion: The work of preventing and controlling pneumoconiosis in Tianjin has a long way to go. We should implement targeted measures according to the characteristics of pneumoconiosis industry, strengthen the supervision of hazard industries, and effectively control the occurrence of pneumoconiosis.

The impact of the weakly-fibrogenic bauxite dust on lungs in mine workers

Introduction. New cases of pneumoconiosis are detected annually at the bauxite mining enterprises of the Sverdlovsk Region. Differential diagnosis of bauxite pneumoconiosis with other interstitial lung diseases using only lung radiography can be difficult. The aim of the work was to clarify the nature of changes in the lungs of workers exposed to weakly fibrogenic dust of bauxite, and the relationship of changes in the lungs with working conditions in cases of difficulty in making the final diagnosis of pneumoconiosis. Material and methods. Underground miners of a working face and underground drifters with a work experience of at least ten years in conditions of exposure to bauxite dust were examined. All patients underwent a plain chest x-ray and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), bodyplethysmography, bronchoscopic examination with trans-bronchial biopsy, and subsequent histological examination of the biopsy. To determine the elemental composition of micro- and nanoparticles in biological tissue samples, scanning electron microscopy with X-ray spectral microanalysis was used. Results. During the histopathological examination of lung tissue biopsy materials by a bright-field method and polarized filter and using electron microscopy, the composition of dust in the lung tissue complied with the composition of industrial aerosol. It is formed during bauxite mining (aluminum, iron, and quartz compounds). High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and bronchoscopy can detect signs of exposure to industrial aerosol of complex composition represented by early interstitial parenchymal fibrosis and changes in bronchial mucosa. This is typical for individuals at risk of occupational respiratory diseases development without radiological features specific to pneumoconiosis. Before X-ray pattern formation, typical for pneumoconiosis, bronchitis syndrome and atrophic changes in the bronchial mucosa are developed. This happens in workers exposed to weakly-fibrogenic dust of a complex composition formed during the mining of bauxite. The changes are permanently observed long after the exposure to the dust factor has ceased.

Distribution feature of newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis in Guangyuan City, 2007-2017

Objective: To investigate the distribution feature of newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis in Guangyuan City from 2007 to 2017 and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis. Methods: In May 2019, the data of newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis in Guangyuan City during January 2007 to December 2017 were collected from Chinese Information System for Disease Control and Prevention-Occupation Disease and Occupation Health Information Monitoring System. The database was built by Excel 2010. The distribution of period, disease type, region, sex, age, working age, work type and industry were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 software. Results: Totally 3920 new cases of pneumoconiosis were reported in Guangyuan City from 2007 to 2017, 2850 cases (72.70%) were in stage Ⅰ, 724 cases (18.47%) were in stage Ⅱ, and 346 cases (8.83%) were in stage Ⅲ. The main type of pneumoconiosis was coal worker＇s pneumoconiosis (2544 cases, 64.90%, ) , second was silicosis (1313 cases, 33.49%) . The newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis were mainly distributed in Lizhou area (1855 cases, 47.32%) , Wangcang county (1392 cases, 35.51%) and Cangxi county (509 cases, 12.98%) . The patients were mainly males (3910 cases, 99.74%) , the ratio of males to females was 391∶1. The average diagnostic age was (57.56±17.58) years, the average working age was (13.68±10.81) years. The main types of work were coal miner (1748 cases, 44.59%) , roadheader (1354 cases, 34.54%) and drill man (487 cases, 12.42%) . The industry distribution was mainly mining (2930 cases, 74.74%) . The distribution of enterprise sizes were mainly small and medium-sized (1341 cases, 34.21%) and micro-sized (999 cases, 25.48%) enterprises. Conclusion: The situation of prevention and control of pneumoconiosis in Guangyuan City is still severe and the newly diagnosed cases are dominated by coal worker＇s pneumoconiosis, mainly concentrated in mining. There are more cases in Lizhou area and Wangcang county. Strengthening the prevention and control of dust hazards in high-risk areas and high-risk groups is the focus of occupational health prevention and control in Guangyuan City.

Analysis of new pneumoconiosis in Yantai from 2010 to 2019

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of new cases of pneumoconiosis in Yantai from 2010 to 2019, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis. Methods: In March 2020, 2575 new pneumoconiosis cases in Yantai City from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019 were obtained through the "Health Hazard Information Monitoring System" platform under "China Disease Prevention and Control Information System" and patient hospital files. Excel 2007 was used to sort out the database of pneumoconiosis and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of new pneumoconiosis, including gender, age, length of service, type of work, etc. Results: From 2010 to 2019, the majority of new pneumoconiosis cases were male (2542 cases, 98.72%) , and the age of onset was 40-<60 years old (2074 cases, 80.54%) . The main age of onset was 15-<30 years (1534 cases, 59.57%) . Silicosis was the most common type of new pneumoconiosis (2313 cases, 89.83%) . There were 2262 cases (87.84%) with one stage of pneumoconiosis. The main types of work were rock driller (799 cases, 31.03%) , hauler (797 cases, 30.95%) , other mine workers (391 cases, 15.18%) . The economic type of enterprises was mainly state-owned enterprises (1156 cases, 44.89%) . The scale of enterprises mainly concentrated in large enterprises (1897 cases, 73.67%) . Conclusion: The new pneumoconiosis in Yantai City shows obvious concentration of disease and work types.It is necessary to strengthen the prevention and treatment of silicosis and the training of protection knowledge for rock drillers and transport workers.

Temporal Trends in the Incidence of Pneumoconiosis in 195 Countries and Territories, 1990-2017: Results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background: Pneumoconiosis is one of the most serious occupational diseases, with increasing cases around the world. We aimed to describe the global incidence and temporal trends of pneumoconiosis. Methods: We collected detailed information on pneumoconiosis from the Global Burden of Disease study between 1990 and 2017. Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) in pneumoconiosis age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), by sex, region, and category, were calculated to quantify the temporal incidence trends. Join-point regression analysis was used to identify points where a statistically significant change occurred over time in the linear slope of the trend. Results: Globally, incident cases of pneumoconiosis increased 66.0% (95% CI 63.3% to 67.5%) from 36,186 in 1990 to 67,017 in 2017. The most common cases were silicosis (23,600) and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (15,000) in 2017, followed by other pneumoconiosis (11,800) and asbestosis (9,400). The ASIR of total pneumoconiosis decreased by an average of 0.57% (95% CI 0.53% to 0.61%) per year from 1990 to 2017. Significant negative correlations between AAPCs and human development indexes (HDIs) were detected for pneumoconiosis, silicosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis in the developed countries (r=-0.35, -0.59 and -0.32, all p<0.05), though the association between AAPCs and HDIs was not statistically significant in developing countries. Moreover, developed countries have undergone a more rapid decrease in ASIR of pneumoconiosis than developing countries. Different from total pneumoconiosis, the ASIR of asbestosis increased during the overall period (0.57%; 0.52% to 0.62%), especially over the most recent ten years (0.86%; 0.72% to 0.99%). The most pronounced increases in ASIR of asbestosis were detected in middle-high socio-demographic index countries, including Australia, Spain, Italy, and New Zealand. Conclusions: The number of new cases of pneumoconiosis in the world is still growing although the ASIR is declining. Efforts to control pneumoconiosis, especially asbestosis, are imminent. Funding Statement: This study was supported by grants of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number: 81872593, 81903291). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: Not required.

Dust Exposure to the Lung Function Capacity of Limestone Industry Workers in West Bandung Regency

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) data in 2013, 30% to 50% of workers in developing countries suffer from pneumoconiosis. Besides, the ILO detected that around 40,000 new cases of pneumoconiosis (respiratory disease) caused by workplace dust exposure occur throughout the wo­rld each year. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of limestone dust exposure to lung function capacity in the limestone processing industry workers. This type of research is an observational descriptive using a cross-sectional approach. The population is 166 workers from 3 limestone companies in the area of the Cipatat Health Center, West Bandung Regency, 150 workers of PT. Batu Wangi, 8 workers from PT. Tunas Putra, and 8 workers from PT. BP. The sampling technique uses stratified sampling. The number of samples was 32 workers. Data analysis to look for relationships between variables using the Chi-Square formula. The results of the study were 56.2% of workers had normal lung function capacity, and 43.8% of workers had abnormal lung function capacity. There are 66.7% of companies having dust exposure levels according to TLV, and 33.3% exceeding TLV. Chi-square Analysis Results, p-value = 1,000 (&gt; 0.05), so that there is no relationship between lime dust exposure and lung function capacity. The conclusion of the study, there is no relationship between limestone dust exposure and lung function capacity in the limestone processing industry workers.&#x0D; Keywords: Dust exposure, limestone, lung capacity

The analysis of prevalence of pneumoconiosis and assistance guarantee of the migrant workers of the district in Chongqing from 2006 to 2017

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of pneumoconiosis and assistance guarantee of the migrant workers of the district in Chongqing from 2006 to 2017, so as to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of pneumoconiosis of the migrant workers. Methods: The database of new pneumoconiosis cases of the migrant workers and assistance guarantee of the district in Chongqing from 2006 to 2017 were subjected to systematic arrangement. SPSS 18.0 was adopted for statistical description and analysis. Results: From 2006 to 2017 a total of 2188 new cases of pneumoconiosis were diagnosed, including I (917, 41.91%) , II (1003, 45.84%) , III (268, 12.25%) . Most of new cases of pneumoconiosis were silicosis. The median length of seniority was 6 years. The mean diagnostic age was 44.25. Significant difference was found in diagnosis age between different stages (F=3.161, P=0.043) . 98.77% of migrant workers had no units. There were 5.07% of migrant workers who took out industrial injury insurance, 14.58% receiving civil aid, 31.12% receiving aid from poverty alleviation, and 93.46% participating medical insurance. Conclusion: The prevalence of pneumoconiosis of the migrant workers of the district in Chongqing was serious. The prevention and control of pneumoconiosis should be enhanced to reduce the harm of pneumoconiosis of the migrant workers in Chongqing.

Epidemiological analysis of new pneumoconiosis among workers in coal industry in Chongqing

Objective: To analyze the incidence of pneumoconiosis among workers in the coal industry in the past 13 years in Chongqing, understand the different epidemiological characteristics of new pneumoconiosis among workers in the coal industry in the city, provide basic evidence for the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis. Methods: Collecting new cases of pneumoconiosis diagnosed in the coal industry in Chongqing in January 2006-May 2018, and analyze its epidemiological characteristics. Results: In January 2006-May 2018, 25329 cases of pneumoconiosis were added to workers in the coal industry in Chongqing, and 23, 328 cases were present, all male. Among the existing cases: coal workers' pneumoconiosis accounted for 89.30%, silicosis accounted for 10.70%; age distribution was 50-59 years old. The main, accounting for 45.19%, the average age of onset was 52.21±7.45 years; the actual dusting age was mainly 10-19 years, the average actual working age was 17.52±8.47 years; the distribution of the work was mainly by the main coal mining (53.20%) ; There are more new cases in enterprises, accounting for 88.86%; distributed in 36 districts and counties. Conclusion: There was a large number of new pneumoconiosis diseases in the coal industry in Chongqing. Different measures should be taken according to the characteristics of different enterprises, and relevant enterprises should be urged to take the initiative to carry out occupational health surveillance, effectively protect the health of workers, improve the coordination mechanism, improve medical security, and gradually realize government assistance and Social care is combined.

The analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of pneumoconiosis notified in Chongqing from 2011 to 2015

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and the harmfulness situation of pneumoconiosis notified in Chongqing from 2011 to 2015, so as to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of pneumoconiosis. Methods: The Chongqing database of new cases of pneumoconiosis reported from 2011 to 2015 was subjected to systematic arrangement. SPSS 18.0 was adopted for statistical description and trend test. Results: From 2011 to 2015 a total of 24903 new cases of pneumoconiosis were diagnosed, including I (16 294 cases, 65.43%), II (6 520 cases, 26.18%), III (2 089 cases, 8.39%). Of all patients, 98.93% were cases of coal-workers' pneumoconiosis and silicosis. 13 383 (53.74%) were coal-workers' pneumoconiosis cases, and 11 253 (45.19%) were silicosis cases. The pneumoconiosis cases were distributed mainly in Fengjie County (3 329 cases, 13.37%), Yongchuan District (2 849 cases, 11.44%), and Chengkou County (2 584 cases, 10.38%). Most cases were centered in mining industry (17 575 cases, 70.57%) and construction industry (6 613 cases, 26.56%). The median lengths of service at the onsets of new cases of pneumoconiosis, silicosis, coal-workers' pneumoconiosis were 7.0, 3.0, and 16.0 years, respectively. The median age at the onset of pneumoconiosis was shortened from 2011 to 2015. The median ages at the onsets of new cases of pneumoconiosis, silicosis, coal-workers' pneumoconiosis were 53.0, 62.0, and 49.0 years, respectively. Conclusion: The research results showed obvious diseases, regions and industries distribution. The median length of service at the onset of pneumoconiosis was on the low side, and a shortening trend showed in age at the onset of pneumoconiosis. Based on the epidemiological characteristics of pneumoconiosis, the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis should be enhanced in key industries such as mining industry and construction industry.

Japanese workplace health management in pneumoconiosis prevention.

The Japanese government established the Pneumoconiosis Law in 1960 to protect health and promote the welfare of workers engaged in dust-exposed works. This article describes Japanese practice in workplace health management as regulated by the Pneumoconiosis Law to reduce pneumoconiosis in Japan. We collected information addressing pneumoconiosis and the health care of dust-exposed workers. We included all types of scientific papers found through a PubMed search as well as official reports, guidelines, and relevant laws published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan and other academic institutions. In the past, pneumoconiosis has been a major cause of mortality and morbidity for Japanese workers engaged in dust-exposed work. The Pneumoconiosis Law introduced a system of pneumoconiosis health examination and health supervision to protect workers' health. According to the periodic pneumoconiosis health examination reports in Japan, the prevalence of pneumoconiosis fell from the highest reported figure of 17.4% in 1982, where 265,720 examinations were conducted, to 1% in 2013 in which 243,740 workers were examined. The number of new cases of pneumoconiosis dropped from 6,842 cases in 1980 to 227 cases in 2013. One hundred and seventy two workers were diagnosed as having pneumoconiosis complications in 1980; however, the number fell to five in 2013. After reaching its peak in the 1980s, pneumoconiosis and its complications fell each year. The achievement of Japanese pneumoconiosis prevention can be credited to a comprehensive provision for worker health, regulated by a thorough legal framework.

Autocorrelation analysis of pneumoconiosis in China

Objective: Using spatial autocorrelation analysis to study spatial distribution characteristics of pneumoconiosis in China. Methods: The incidence of pneumoconiosis of each province from 2009 to 2013 was calculated by reported data of pneumoconiosis and the number of employment in mining and manufacturing of each province from Chinese statistical yearbook. The global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis was im-plemented by global and local's Moran's I index respectively. Results: A total of 112 066 new cases of pneumo-coniosis were reported from 2009 to 2013 in China, Global Moran's I from 2009 to 2013 was -0.114、0.179、0.199、0.259 and 0.241 respectively. A total of 15 space units with statistical significance were detected by local spatial autocorrelation analysis, which were mainly high-high regions. Conclusion: There was weak global spa-tial autocorrelation relationship of the incidence of pneumoconiosis from 2010 to 2013 among the provinces in China. The results of local spatial autocorrelation analysis suggested that there were clustering regions of pneumo-coniosis in the southwest and central south of China.

Analyses on the characteristics and the trends of pneumoconiosis notified between 2001 and 2012 in Hebei Province

To describe the incidence, development and death of pneumoconiosis reported in Hebei from 2001 to 2012 and investigate the epidemiological trends and characteristics of pneumoconiosis to provide basic data for formulating the guidelines and policies for control of pneumoconiosis. The Hebei database of new cases of pneumoconiosis reposed from 2001 to 2012 were subjected to systematic arrangement. Clean data and descriptive analysis using SPSS 17.0. The statistical indices included number of new and death pneumoconiosis cases in each year. From 2001 to 2012 a total of 4558 new cases of pneumoconiosis were reported. The situation was same to coal-workers' pneumoconiosis and silicosis. (2) The pneumoconiosis cases were distributed mainly in the city of Tang Shan, Cheng De, Zhang Jia Kou and Han Dan (88.24%). (3) Most cases were centerred in coal industry, metallurgical industry, nonferrous metals industry, architectural material industry and light industry. (4) The mean age of onset in new cases was shorted each year for silicosis, coal-workers' pneumoconiosis, potter pneumoconiosis and electric welder pneumoconiosis, especially for 2010 to 2012 (9 years). (5) The work types of these cases mainly included drilling (26.72%), mining as the main work (6.67%), hybrid coal mine work (6.95%), molding worker (5.24%) and berterring worker (4.82%). (6) The new cases of pneumoconiosis reposed from 2001 to 2012 were diagnosissed I (3415, 74.92%), II (782, 17.16%), III (361, 7.92%). (7) The death cases of pneumoconiosis reposed from 2001 to 2012 were 1182, most of them were distributed mainly in the city of Tang Shan, Cheng De, Zhang Jia Kou and Han Dan (88.24%). The incidence of pneumoconiosis is still high: the new cases of pneumoconiosis is still rising. The mean age of onset in new cases was shorted each year. The new cases of pneumoconiosis reposed from 2001 to 2012 were diagnosed II was above 25%. The prevention and control of pneumoconiosis should be enhanced in key industries and for people engaging in key regions, industries, types of work according to the epidemiological characteristics of pneumoconiosis. Most cases were centerred in coal-workers' pneumoconiosis and silicosis.

Epidemiological analysis of pneumoconiosis in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and cases reported by the Urumqi Railway Bureau.

This study investigated the incidence and development of pneumoconiosis in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and cases reported by the Urumqi Railway Bureau to provide a scientific basis for developing prevention and control measures against pneumoconiosis. Data from pneumoconiosis cases were input into Excel and analyzed by SPSS version 17.0. There were 13,165 cases of pneumoconiosis through 2010. Coal workers accounted for the largest proportion of cases. From July 2006 through 2010, a total of 1233 new cases of pneumoconiosis were reported in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; most cases were reported in Urumqi. From 1981 to 2012, 3332 new cases of pneumoconiosis had been confirmed by the Urumqi Railway Bureau, including 77.73, 16.96, and 5.31% stage I, II, and III cases, respectively. In the last 30 years, the number of new pneumoconiosis cases peaked in 1986; most of them were silicosis cases. In addition, there were more than 200 cases of pneumoconiosis combined with pulmonary tuberculosis reported by the Urumqi Railway Bureau. The coal industry in Urumqi is the main industry in which occupational pneumoconiosis occurs in Xinjiang. Thus, substantial effort is still required to eliminate pneumoconiosis by 2030.