Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung Disease)
Learn About Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis
Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis can develop when airborne coal dusts are inhaled. The dust particles remain in the lung where they can cause inflammation or fibrosis (scarring).
Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of black lung disease can take years to develop and commonly begin as a cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Length and severity of exposure can make a big difference in determining if your diagnosis.
Treating and Managing Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis
There is no treatment that can reverse the damage done by coal dust, but certain steps can be taken to slow down progression of the disease, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis
If you are concerned about your exposure to coal dust may have caused black lung disease, or have been diagnosed with it, you and your loved ones are likely to have many concerns. Here are some questions that you may want to ask your doctor.