Publications by authors named "Margaret Tomann"
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to assess lung function issues in former coal miners, arguing that previous research mainly focused on active miners, which may overlook the extent of chronic respiratory diseases.
- An analysis of data from 2,568 former miners revealed that 56.6% had abnormal lung function, with a notable prevalence of airflow obstruction, especially in older miners and even in those who never smoked.
- The results highlight that significant lung impairment exists not just in smokers but also in never-smokers among the coal miners, emphasizing the need to recognize both physiological and imaging changes linked to coal mine dust exposure.
The population living in Central Appalachia is disproportionately impacted by lung disease. This is driven, in part, by occupational hazards and environmental exposures. However, it is more than coal dust that is driving the ongoing disparity of lung disease in the region.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis cohort study examines the prevalence of and risk factors for mental illness among current and former coal miners in the United States.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe spread of infectious diseases, including Human Immunodeficiency virus and Hepatitis C virus, is a major risk of injection drug use. The Center for Disease Control's 2015 ranking of counties vulnerable to rapid dissemination of HIV/HCV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) places Dickenson County, Virginia at 29th in the nation and 2nd in Virginia. Comprehensive Harm Reduction is an evidence-based intervention shown to reduce the negative impacts of drug use including the spread of infectious diseases, overdose and death among people who are unable or not ready to stop using drugs.
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