John “J.L.” white was a former coal miner from Williamsburg. His daughter recounted how her father was a skilled dozer operator recruited to the coal mines. His diligence and dedication saw him quickly advance up the ranks. Like many others before and since he was...
Black Lung
An alarming increase in black lung diagnoses
Spending the entirety of a career working in coal mines presents serious health risks. Far too many find their ability to continue in their job suddenly at an end following a black lung disease diagnosis. Awareness of the deadly affliction has forced coal companies to...
Falling short on safety has its consequences
The Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) has regulations in place that mandate accurate coal dust sampling in underground mines. Without these tests, respirable dust can result in a worker receiving a deadly diagnosis of black lung. The disease is progressive and...
Snake-oil products disguised as protective masks?
A coal miner's last line of defense while working in potentially dangerous conditions is a dust mask. The protective devices are manufactured to provide protection against breathing in dust particles that could lead to black lung disease. Workers at more than 100 coal...
The link between black lung disease and depression
Black lung disease is a deadly illness that lacks a cure. Countless coal miners throughout Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia have been stricken by the disease that has impacted every aspect of their lives. Physical issues surrounding black lung are only a part of...
Are limited medical options the future for black lung victims?
A diagnosis of black lung requires immediate medical care, preferably one that provides a local and convenient option for patients and family members to reduce community time and possible hotel stays. Those suffering from the serious disease seek signs of a potential...
Improving the quality of life for black lung victims
With a career as a coal miner comes well-known risks. Over time, workers inhaling coal dust results in pulmonary challenges that include shortness of breath and wheezing combined with mucus. Far too many receive the deadly diagnoses of incurable black lung. During a...
Black lung: A tragic lack of awareness and standards
Coal mining did not come of age without various battles that occurred during the dawning of the 20th century. Labor tussles and mine wars were commonplace in the fight for valuable territory. Over time, the violence ceased, and the industry grew in prominence and...
A protracted and unnecessary battle
While the belief itself is hard to believe, there was once a time, close to 50 years ago, when people thought black lung disease was merely a myth. Coal dust was harmless, with doctors citing the benefits of inhalation that protected miners from tuberculosis. Even if...
Former coal mining managers facing criminal charges
In a rare move, four officials from now-defunct Armstrong Coal are defendants in a criminal trial facing conspiracy charges to defraud the United States. Federal prosecutors have charged the former executives – Glendall Hardison, Charley Barber, Brian Keith Casebier,...