Black lung disease is caused by the inhalation of coal dust. Medically termed as coal workers' pneumoconiosis, black lung disease refers to the coal miner's lungs turning black due to the inhalation and accumulation of coal dust. This disease is debilitating and often fatal. Over the last 40 years, the U.S. government has made great efforts to prevent, educate and eliminate black lung disease.
Brief History
Black lung disease was first reported back in 1822 under the name "miner's asthma." Medical professionals thought the symptoms from black lung disease were asthma-related. In 1831, the term "black lung" was coined when medical professionals discovered the blackening of miners' lungs. Over a century later, coal workers' pneumoconiosis was created in 1942 by British medical professionals trying to specify the dust disease plaguing coal miners.
Health and Safety Acts
In 1969, the U.S. government established the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act to enforce regulations, establish health and safety laws and protect the welfare of coal miners in this country. The government was determined to eradicate black lung disease from the coal mining industry.
The Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977 was established to develop and improve upon the 1969 health and safety regulations for coal miners. A large-scale prevention and treatment program was established to combat black lung disease.
Symptoms
In the early stages, black lung disease doesn't have any symptoms. In time, coal dust accumulates in the lungs, and abnormalities start to form in the lung tissue. These abnormalities can lead to emphysema and fibrosis, which can cause breathing difficulties. When the miner and doctors notice the symptom of breathing difficulties, it's already too late. At that point, the black lung disease has reached a critical state and is incurable. In the latter stages, miners become partially to totally disabled and ultimately succumb to this deadly disease.
Diagnosing
Chest X-rays are used to examine the physical condition of the lungs. Doctors also listen to the lungs as patients take deep breaths to diagnose any breathing impairments. Occupational history is vital in determining possible exposure to coal dust.
Treatment
There are no medically proven treatments for black lung disease, but the U.S. government has established the Black Lungs Benefits Act (BLBA) to aid in medical expenses and comfort of life. The BLBA provides monthly payments and medical benefits to coal miners totally disabled from coal workers' pneumoconiosis and to the survivors of miners who have died from this disease. According to a 2004 U.S. Department of Labor report, over 102,000 beneficiaries and over 18,000 dependents received benefits totaling close to $600 million.
Prevention
Minimizing exposure to coal dust is the best way to prevent black lung disease, even if it means quitting your mining job. Each mine has a ventilation plan to help eliminate the coal dust and provide fresh air. The Mine Safety and Health Administration encourages adherence to, and enforces proper, ventilation plans.
