Any coal miner exposed to dust in the mines for a long period of time could be at risk of developing medical problems like black lung disease.

Black lung is a serious medical condition that has, for many years, afflicted coal miners. Anyone who has developed black lung disease might also hear this referred to as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, or CWP.

This condition of black lung is caused by long term repeated exposure to coal dust. It is similar to conditions that are caused by breathing in asbestos dust or silica dust and can lead to respiratory problems.

The severe state of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis develops after the initial version of the disease known as anthracosis. This version of black lung disease is frequently asymptomatic and is found in most people who live in areas of extreme air pollution.

Workers exposed to coal dust might also exhibit industrial bronchitis diagnosed as chronic bronchitis because of their workplace dust exposure.

In 2013, CWP led to 25,000 deaths. A National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health study from 2018 shows that the incurable respiratory illness has surged in recent years, with the highest rate recorded in the most recent decades.

Can Black Lung Disease Be Prevented?

Black lung disease is caused by environmental factors, so it is most frequently preventable and can be avoided by eliminating or limiting a person’s exposure to coal dust. Coal dust on the skin should be washed off immediately and clothes that are covered in coal dust should be washed thoroughly after being removed promptly.

A diagnosis of black lung cannot be cured by alternative or traditional medicine and most medical authorities do not recommend alternative treatments. The best way to handle problems related to CWP is to limit exposure to coal and graphite.

How Is Black Lung Diagnosed?

Doctors who suspect that a miner who has inhaled coal dust could have developed black lung will usually require chest X-rays. These X-rays might show small spots on the lung, which is a characteristic of the most simplified form of black lung.

However, X-rays are not as effective in diagnosing later stages of this disease known as progressive massive fibrosis. A chest CT scan might be required in order to diagnose that condition.

Do Dust Masks Prevent Black Lung?

Coal miners often use dust masks and other on the job safety equipment to minimize their exposure to coal dust. However, a growing number of people report that exposure to coal dust is on the rise despite using 3M dust masks.

These dust masks were allegedly recommended for preventing problems such as CWP, but if defective, could have exposed workers to the possibility of breathing in significant amounts of coal dust which could turn into CWP over time.

If you or someone you know already developed this medical condition even while wearing 3M dust masks on the job, you might be interested in participating in a class action investigation challenging the purported effectiveness of 3M dust masks.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.