Anyone who works in the coal industry understands the importance of preventing dangerous medical conditions from breathing in coal dust and other toxins. For a coal miner looking to prevent black lungs, the use of a mask is one of the most important components of developing a strategy to prevent this condition.

A mining health and safety conference in Wales recently revealed that site monitoring and employee education were two of the most important components to prevent black lungs. Black lung is also known as pneumoconiosis. This is a respiratory condition that can be triggered by exposure to mineral dust.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Black Lungs?

Particles from breathing in the coal dust can settle in a person’s airways and lungs. Healthy lung tissue may attempt to get rid of them as these particles land. This can lead to inflammation because the immune system is attempting to fight and remove the particles.

Estimates shows that as many as 16 percent of the coal miners in the United States could eventually develop lung issues from breathing in coal dust. It can take decades or years for this disease to develop, but some of the symptoms associated with black lung include chest tightness, shortness of breath, and cough.

How Does A Doctor Diagnose Black Lung?

Doctors use multiple pieces of information to diagnose black lung disease. They will evaluate the patient’s medical history and ask them  whether or not they have been exposed to coal dust.

Furthermore, diagnostic tests are frequently used in order to clarify a diagnosis of black lung. Doctors might order CT Scans, chest x-rays or a combination of both to identify whether or not there are signs of inflammation or spots or masses on your lungs.

How Can You Prevent Black Lung?

According to the CDC, a new technology developed in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health could help protect miners from breathing in hazardous dust concentrations. This is known as a continuous personal dust monitor. This device has been mandated for use since February 2016 in certain areas and coal dust exposure has been dramatically reduced as a result.

What Are the Long Term Consequences of Black Lung?

Miners who are diagnosed with black lung experience irreversible and lifelong breathing problems. Many of these conditions contribute to premature death. A severe form of the disease, which is known as progressive massive fibrosis has been noticed in more patients in recent years.

How Do I Know If My Safety Respirator Failed to Prevent Black Lung?

Some miners used 3M dust masks that are really safety respirators. These masks were allegedly used to help prevent coal dust from getting in the miner’s lungs, but some miners have argued in legal cases that these masks do not work and instead left miners to deal with the consequences in the form of the black lung diagnosis.

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