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Occupational Lung Disease Statistics in Great Britain 2023
This is an executive summary of the HSE Report on Occupational Lung Disease statistics in Great Britain, 2023. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of lung diseases that can be caused by exposures in the workplace, including serious diseases such as cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The summary will highlight key findings, explaining them in detail and discussing whether the trend is increasing or declining.
12,000 Annual Deaths from Occupational Lung Disease
The report estimates that there are currently 12,000 Occupational Lung Disease (OLD) deaths each year linked to past exposures at work. This estimate is based on death certificates and an epidemiological estimation of the effects of occupational exposures. The number of deaths reflects the effect of past working conditions, as occupational lung diseases typically have a long latency (Source: HSE Report, page 4).
2,268 Mesothelioma Deaths in 2021
In 2021, there were 2,268 mesothelioma deaths, which can be counted directly from national mortality data. A similar number of estimated lung cancer deaths were due to past exposures to asbestos (Source: HSE Report, page 4).
19,000 New Cases Each Year
Estimates based on the Labour Force Survey (LFS) averaged over the last three years show that there were 19,000 new cases each year among those who had worked in the previous year (Source: HSE Report, page 4).
43,000 New or Long-standing Cases Each Year
The same LFS data shows that there were 43,000 new or long-standing cases each year among those who worked in the previous year (Source: HSE Report, page 4).
152,000 New or Long-standing Cases Among Those Who Have Ever Worked
According to the LFS data, there were 152,000 new or long-standing cases among those who have ever worked (Source: HSE Report, page 4).
1,108 New Cases of Occupational Respiratory Disease Recorded by Chest Physicians in 2019
In 2019, there were 1,108 new cases of occupational respiratory disease recorded by consultant chest physicians within the SWORD scheme. This represents a substantial underestimate of the annual incidence, as many cases of mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer are not referred to chest physicians (Source: HSE Report, page 12).
3,165 New Cases of Occupational Lung Diseases Assessed for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit in 2022
In 2022, there were 3,165 new cases of occupational lung diseases assessed for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB), of which 2,855 (90%) were diseases associated with past asbestos exposure (Source: HSE Report, page 12).
20% of Cases Caused by Dusts from Stone, Cement, Brick or Concrete
Based on the Labour Force Survey, nearly 20% of cases of breathing and lung problems were caused by dusts from stone, cement, brick or concrete (Source: HSE Report, page 16).
13% of Cases Caused by Airborne Materials from Spray Painting or Manufacturing Foam Products
The same survey showed that 13% of cases were caused by airborne materials from spray painting or manufacturing foam products (Source: HSE Report, page 16).
7% of Cases Caused by Dusts from Flour, Grain/Cereal, Animal Feed or Straw
According to the LFS, 7% of cases were caused by dusts from flour, grain/cereal, animal feed or straw (Source: HSE Report, page 16).
Conclusion
The HSE Report provides a comprehensive overview of the scale and impact of Occupational Lung Disease in Great Britain. It highlights the significant number of deaths and new cases each year, and the various causes of these diseases. The report underscores the importance of improving workplace conditions and reducing exposure to harmful agents to prevent these diseases.
