Black Lung Disease Overview
Black lung disease, also known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), is a job-related illness primarily affecting people who work in coal mines. It is caused by coal dust inhalation over a long period of time.
Causes of Black Lung Disease
The disease is caused by exposure to coal dust particles. When miners inhale coal dust, the particles lodge in the airways and lungs. These particles cause inflammation and irritation. Over long periods of time, this inflammation may result in scarring or fibrosis. The severity of the disease may depend on the amount of dust inhaled, and the length of coal dust exposure time.
While dust masks and other safety equipment may decrease the risk of developing the disease, many coal miners claim that these safety products are actually ineffective and have lead to health problems.
3M Dust Mask Litigation
There have been several lawsuits filed by former coal miners, alleging that their employer-supplied 3M brand dust masks did not sufficiently protect them from coal dust inhalation.
In early 2018, a jury in Kentucky awarded $67.5 million to a pair of brothers who worked as coal miners and developed black lung disease. According to their lawsuit, the brothers developed the lung condition due to the ineffectiveness of the 3M dust masks they wore to work. $62.5 million of the award represent punitive damages against 3M for their defective products, and $5 million was awarded to the brothers for their pain and suffering.
Types and Symptoms of Black Lung Disease
There are two varieties of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis. With simple coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, the lung has scar tissues and spots resulting from the coal dust particles. Complicated CWP is also called progressive massive fibrosis, and is characterized by heavy lung scarring.
Symptoms of black lung disease may take years or decades to appear. Many people never have symptoms until the disease has heavily progressed. When these symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Cough with or without phlegm
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness or discomfort
Who Is at Risk?
It is estimated that around 16% of United States coal miners may eventually develop lung problems from coal dust exposure. As the disease is not genetic or contagious, it is unlikely that you will develop black lung disease if you have never worked near coal dust. Almost 80,000 deaths from coal dust complications have been reported in the U.S. since the 1960s.
There is no cure for black lung disease, although there are possible treatments that can be done to ease symptoms and improve sufferers’ quality of life. These treatments may include medication and inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, or in rare cases, lung transplants.
If you are a former coal miner who used 3M dust masks or other safety equipment and have been diagnosed with simple or complex coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, you may qualify to join a free investigation or class action lawsuit.
