The Impact of Aging on Occupational Lung Disease.

The majority of occupational lung diseases have long latency periods, with disease manifesting at an older age. We conducted an extensive literature review and analyzed data for age-related mortality, the impact of age on the lungs and occupational lung diseases, changes in the workforce, and considerations for surveillance to maintain a healthy workforce. Age is a major factor in occupational lung diseases, which in turn predisposes older adults to other health conditions and reduces their quality of life and life expectancy. More specifically, age-related changes in the lungs increase the susceptibility to environmental exposure-induced lung injuries and are linked to poor prognosis. Data from the Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance Report published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 2008) indicated that death from occupational lung diseases among U.S. residents peaked in the age group 75--84 years. Interestingly, the age group 65--74 years recorded a substantial number of deaths, second to the age group 75--84 years. This trend represents a shift in U.S. mortality for all diseases, which peaks at ≥85 years. Improved surveillance and early detection will be instrumental in reducing the burden of occupational lung injury in older adults, many of whom are staying in the workforce longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]