What were the 2004 NIOSH Mortality Study Results?
Non-Malignant Respiratory Diseases The 2004 study found an increased risk for non-malignant lung diseases. We expected 70 deaths and observed 100. This category included emphysema, pneumoconiosis, and other lung diseases. (Pneumoconiosis is a type of lung disease caused by breathing in mineral dust.) Lung cancer Deaths from lung cancer were higher than expected. We expected 69 deaths and found 78. Blood cancers (other than leukemia) We found a higher than expected risk for blood cancers (other than leukemia). This category includes lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease. We expected 11 deaths and observed 16. Kidney Disease We found a slightly higher than expected risk in deaths for chronic renal disease. We expected 6 deaths and observed 8. The number of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cases was fewer than expected. Mortality by Length of Employment It should be noted that the risk of death from the above diseases was not higher among workers who were employed for the greatest number of years.
