Black Lung

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

The U.S. House of Representatives did its turn to help coal miners suffering from black lung disease; now it is the Senate’s turn to act. On November 19, the House narrowly passed the Build Back Better Act – a highly touted $1.7 trillion social spending and climate...

As countless coal workers are initially diagnosed, suffer symptoms, and die from black lung disease, preventative measures represent the key to reducing, if not eliminating, this deadly disease. The news came too late for many as there currently is no cure for...