Women Lead In Lung Disease Deaths

Increase Attributed To Smoking Rate Changes In 1940s

ATLANTA -- Federal officials say chronic obstructive lung disease now kills slightly more women than men.

An official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said women edged beyond men in the death rates for the first time in 2000. Dr. David Mannino said there were about 700 more deaths among women, although both sexes had about 60,000 deaths each.

Mannino, a CDC pulmonary disease expert, said increased rates of women's smoking since the 1940s probably accounted for the higher death rate. The condition includes diseases such as emphysema, which can result from smoking.

Mannino also said, however, that mild to moderate chronic obstructive lung disease among adults 25 to 54 decreased over the past 25 years. He said that's probably because of a reduction in smoking.

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• May 21, 2002: Optimistic Outlook May Benefit Lungs
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Copyright 2002 by WBALTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.