Global, regional, and national trends in the incidence of pneumoconiosis among populations aged 20 and above from 1990 to 2021

Bibliographic Data

ID22085585
AuthorsQiyun Cheng (0009-0007-4401-2010, Central South University), Shiyue He (0009-0006-8711-4597, Central South University), Yongbin Hu (0000-0001-6811-3624, Central South University), Pinhua Pan (0000-0001-5883-0531, Central South University), Xinyue Hu (0009-0004-7826-2518, Central South University), Shuya Liao (Hunan International Economics University), Shunjun Wang (Central South University, corresponding author), Hui Li (0000-0001-9355-1116, Central South University, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1608109-1608109
Publication date2025-08-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1608109
PMID40900707
OpenAlexW4413301251
LanguageEN
References cited30

Background: Pneumoconiosis remains one of the most critical occupational health hazards globally. Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021, we have updated the epidemiological trends of pneumoconiosis. Methods: We conducted and analyzed pneumoconiosis-related data from the GBD 2021 study for individuals aged ≥20 years. Our analysis described the incident cases and age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) across various global regions and age groups. Temporal trends were evaluated using Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) for ASIRs between 1990 and 2021. Results: The ASIR of pneumoconiosis among individuals aged ≥20 years declined globally at an annual average of 0.48% between 1990 and 2021. Except for high socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, the ASIR of pneumoconiosis declined across all other SDI categories. Males had significantly higher incidence rates than females, especially in older adults. Silicosis emerged as the predominant type of pneumoconiosis, constituting ~56.7% of cases. While the ASIRs for silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and other pneumoconiosis decreased, the ASIRs for asbestosis exhibited a notable upward trend, with an EAPC of 1.21%. A strong negative correlation was observed between the EAPC of pneumoconiosis incidence and the 1990 ASIRs values. Notably, the EAPC showed a statistically significant but very weak positive correlation with the 2021 Human Development Index (HDI) values. Conclusion: Despite a gradual global decline in the ASIR of pneumoconiosis, the disease burden remains substantial in certain regions. Our findings could inform governments and policymakers in developing targeted prevention strategies to mitigate this burden. Future strategies should integrate technological innovation with regulatory frameworks, prioritizing male-dominated high-risk sectors through strengthened global asbestos bans and lifetime health surveillance for workers in pneumoconiosis-prone occupations worldwide

Environmental health · Geography · Pathology · Pneumoconiosis · Sociology · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Demography · Health, Environment, Cognitive Aging · Medicine · Occupational and environmental lung diseases · Gerontology