MMWR: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Mortality in the United States

MMWR

Mar 06, 2025 4:04 pm

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease characterized by scarring and worsening lung function, has a poor prognosis. An estimated 21% of IPF deaths might be attributable to occupational exposures.

To describe IPF mortality among U.S. residents aged ≥15 years who were ever employed, by industry and occupation, CDC conducted an exploratory analysis of 2020–2022 multiple cause-of-death data. This exploratory analysis of 2020–2022 multiple cause-of-death data identified 67,843 IPF deaths among U.S. workers. By industry, IPF mortality was most significantly elevated among males employed in utilities and among females employed in public administration. By occupation, IPF mortality was most significantly elevated among male community and social services workers and among female farming, fishing, and forestry workers.

Estimates of elevated IPF mortality among workers in some industries and occupations warrant confirmation and continued surveillance to identify occupational exposures that could be targeted to prevent or reduce IPF mortality.

During 2020–2022, a total of 67,843 (39,712 [59%] male and 28,131 [41%] female) decedents had IPF, suggesting that during this 3-year period, 8,340 IPF deaths in males and 5,908 deaths in females might have been associated with occupational exposures.
By industry group, the highest proportionate mortality ratios among males were among those employed in utilities (1.15) and among females, were among those employed in public administration (1.12).
By occupation group, the highest IPF mortality rates among males were among community and social services workers (1.23) and among females among farming, fishing, and forestry workers (1.24).
Estimates of elevated IPF mortality among workers in specific industries and occupations warrant confirmation, control of known exposure-related risk factors, and continued surveillance to better understand the full range of occupational exposures that might increase risk for developing IPF.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Mortality by Industry and Occupation — United States, 2020–2022