Epidemiologic Survey for Work-Related Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias Focusing on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Korea, 2010-2022.

Abstract

This study aimed to share the process of epidemiologic survey and demonstrate the decisive factors for evaluating work-related idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) in Korea. Data and reports of epidemiologic surveys were investigated and completed during 2010-2022. A total of 228 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases requested for an epidemiologic survey, of which 153 (67.1%) were work related. The level of exposure intensity was more than intermediate and the exposure duration was more than 10 years in the work-related IPF, so the decisive factors for work-related IPF were exposure substances, intensity, and duration. The main factors for work-related acute interstitial pneumonia or cryptogenic organizing pneumonia were exposure latency and exposure intensity. The results of this study indicated the process of the epidemiologic survey and important factors for evaluating work-related IIPs.