Why Is This Important?

Pneumoconiosis is a class of lung diseases which are usually incurable and may lead to death. Nearly all pneumoconioses are attributable to occupational exposure, and millions of workers are at risk. Common types include asbestosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and silicosis. Pneumoconiosis frequency varies geographically, largely determined by local industrial activities and migration of affected individuals.

Definition

Deaths with pneumoconiosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, silicosis, and other and unspecified pneumoconiosis as the underlying or contributing cause of death. ICD-10 codes: J60-J66

Data Notes

• Data have been age-adjusted to the U.S. 2000 standard population.
• Pneumoconiosis is typically a chronic disease with a long latency (pre-clinical period). Current incidence is not necessarily indicative of current exposures, and it may be several years before reductions in exposures affect mortality. In addition, people may not die in the state in which they were exposed.
  
  All Pneumoconiosis: ICD-10-CM J60-J66.
  
  Rates were age-adjusted using the following age groups: 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, and 85 plus.

Data Sources

• Death Certificate Database, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, New Jersey Department of Health
  (https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/)
• Population Estimates, State Data Center, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
  (https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/demographics/population-household-estimates/)

How the Measure is Calculated

• Numerator:

  Number of deaths from or with pneumoconiosis.

• Denominator:

  Total number of persons aged 15 years or older in the population.

Related Health Objectives and Indicators

Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicators:

• Incidence of Mesothelioma
• Inpatient Hospitalizations from or with Pneumoconiosis

Health Topic Pages Related to: Mortality from or with Pneumoconiosis

• Mortality
• Occupational Health