Black lung disease is the colloquial name for what is medically known as coal worker's pneumonconiosis, according to Peace Health. The name is derived from the presentment of symptoms, which include an inhalation of pollutants to the point that the lungs appear to be black instead of the regular pink color. Understanding the suspected causes of black lung can help to prevent the disease from taking hold.
Coal Dust
According to Peace Health, the very root of the name "black lung" comes from the historical connection between working in a coal mine and contracting the disease. Those who actively work in coal mines presently are likely beginning the process of coal dust inhalation and accumulation in the lungs that forms the roots of traditional black lung. The Los Angeles Times notes that there is a substantial body of literature linking coal dust to the development of black lung disease symptoms.
Peace Health notes that levels of causation for black lung disease are related to the extent and severity of the exposure, and symptoms of black lung disease may worsen even after direct exposure has ceased due to the effects of the accumulated particles.
Silica
Researchers claim that new research shows that silica particles may be responsible for the development of black lung disease as well. Challenged to explain the development of black lung disease symptoms in a group of mountain tunnelers who were not coal miners, the researchers found that silica particles can combine with calcium particles in the body to damage the lungs. The researchers noted that silica is not commonly associated with black lung disease, but stated that silica-calcium particles are responsible for inflammation and deterioration of the lungs in workers who work around such particles.
Carbon Black
Along with traditional coal dust, other kinds of carbon-based particles accumulating in the lungs can contribute to black lung disease. According to Peace Health, one example of this is carbon black, a compound chemical that is used in a number of manufacturing settings. The particles from the carbon black can join the atmospheric particles native to the workspace and be inhaled by workers. As with other causes of black lung disease, the effect of the exposure is cumulative when it comes to the severity of black lung disease symptoms.
