Black lung disease is on the rise in Central Appalachia. Hard-working miners who, over years or decades, inhaled coal dust are now suffering from the consequences of their efforts. Far too many are diagnosed with black lung disease. Surviving family members already...
Black Lung
Is physician bias playing a role in black lung diagnoses?
The diagnosis of black lung disease is a devastating and life-changing moment. Doctors with particular expertise in this severe illness known what to look for when reviewing x-rays. Conveying that information to coal miners and family members must be done immediately,...
What treatment is covered under the Black Lung Program?
Almost every coal miner in Virginia has heard of the danger of Black Lung disease. Many might know someone with the disease or suspect they have it as well. And, unfortunately, reports seem to indicate that the disease is once again on the rise. It is no secret that...
The fear of black lung victims contracting coronavirus
For as long as the disease has existed, black lung has compromised the respiratory system of hard-working individuals in the coal industry. Over the past year, where a pandemic ravaged the economy and ended lives, certain pre-existing conditions were cited as...