Black Lung

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...

A black lung diagnosis is devastating to not only the victim but also their family members. The news creates an uncertain future not only professionally but also personally. While medical advances have been made over the years, the tragic outcome will, at some point,...

Countless coal miners who have plied their trade underground over several decades find that the next chapter following the end of their careers is spent battling a deadly illness. Options exist to secure compensation, but the road to that goal is long. Consider them...

To date, no cure exists for black lung, an irreversible disease that can progress long after hard-working coal miners have retired. Medical advances continue, but can it keep up with a concerning resurgence of this deadly illness once thought to be almost eliminated...

Coal miners suffering from black lung disease have options when it comes to federal workers’ compensation benefits. To date, the disease lacks a cure. However, medical treatments exist to prolong the lives of those suffering from these severe illnesses. Advancements...