Black Lung Disease and Kentucky Mine Workers

A federal study has found that Kentucky has the highest rate of coal miners suffering from black lung disease, a serious and potentially deadly illness caused by exposure to coal dust. Not only that, researchers were surprised to find that the disease – previously thought to impact only miners who work underground – has been found in surface workers as well.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two percent of surface workers included in the study suffered from black lung disease. That translates to 46 out of 2,257 workers. A dozen had the most severe form of the illness and most rarely, if ever, worked underground.

Black lung disease, also called coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, is caused by inhaling coal, graphite or man-made carbon over long stretches of time. Workers with the simple form of the disease may suffer from a cough and shortness of breath. The most seriously affected have the same symptoms, but usually get progressively worse over time.

There is no cure or treatment for black lung disease. In addition to the symptoms of the disease itself, black lung can also cause chronic bronchitis, respiratory failure and other lung disorders.

There are laws regulating permissible amounts of coal dust in work areas, but monitoring for black lung disease is only required for those who work underground.

Kentucky miners are eligible for free screenings for black lung disease, but WKYT reports that many workers do not get tested because they are afraid of losing their jobs. If you suspect that you may have contracted the disease, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation and other benefits from your employers and their insurers. Our Lexington, Ky. lawyers strongly urge you to pursue screenings despite any reservations you may have about a black lung diagnosis.