A Scourge Returns: Black Lung in Appalachia

In the early 1970s, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, or black lung, affected around one-third of long-term underground miners. After new dust regulations took effect, rates of black lung plunged. Today, however, they are once again rising dramatically, and the new generation of black lung patients have disease that progresses far more rapidly than in the past. © Tyler Stableford/Getty A section of lung shows the ravages of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). The disease is characterized by large, dense masses of fibrous tissue that often appear in the upper lungs. The lung itself can appear black due to the slow buildup of coal dust particles over the years.© Biophoto Associates/Getty Highly reactive particles of coal mine dust can infiltrate the deepest reaches of the lung. These inhaled particles of coal dust and/or silica create a chronic inflammatory response that damages the lung.© Ed Reschke/Getty The Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program was created in the early 1970s under the Coal Act. Miners who participate in the voluntary program receive an X ray upon being hired, then may return for followup X rays every five years. In the mid-2000s, doctors participating in this program alerted federal authorities to the resurgence of black lung among coal miners in Appalachia.© Michael Sullivan/Science Source In 1974, shortly after the Coal Act went into effect, PMF affected nearly 3.5% of ...
Source: EHP Research - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Featured Focus News January 2016 Source Type: research