Analysis of incidence rates of occupational diseases in Mongolia, 1986-2006.

The purpose of this study was to determine incidence rates and time trends of major occupational diseases in Mongolia. We retrieved information about all 4598 patients from 1986 to 2006 who were diagnosed and registered with occupational diseases by the National Center of Workplace Conditions and Occupational Diseases. There was an increasing trend for new cases as well as for incidence rates of reported occupational respiratory diseases (ORD), musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), cardiovascular diseases, skin diseases, toxic hepatitis, and noise-induced hearing loss. Such a trend may result from both rapid industrialization in Mongolia and increased recognition of occupational disease. Actions must be taken immediately to allocate more resources for prevention and early recognition of occupational diseases, establishment of a comprehensive hazard communication system, and enforcement of all regulations. Key words: occupational diseases, incidence rate, epidemiology, Mongolia.