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M10.8 Occupationally-Related Disease


 According to the American Lung Association pneumoconiosis is a general term given to any lung disease caused by dust that are breathed in and then deposited deep in the lungs causing damage. Pneumoconiosis is usually considered an occupational lung disease, and coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as "Black Lung Disease."
Pneumoconiosis is caused by workplace exposure to airborne dust containing asbestos, silica, and coal dust are the most common. Pneumoconiosis can be prevented with appropriate respiratory protection.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 limited miner’s exposure to inhaled dust, this amended policy helped reduce black lung cases. Most recently there has been a resurgence of the disease. It appears that miners affected are working in smaller mines that may have less investment in protections. There have also been changes in mining and the mines today produce higher levels of toxins that damage the lungs more than coal dust. The miners are working longer hours limiting the time for their lungs to clear the dust collected (www.safeandhealthmagazine.org).


In 2014 MSHA established a rule to increase protections for coal miners and closing loopholes that covered exposure to unhealthy coal mine dust. There must be a Continuous Personal Dust Monitor (CPDM) certification every three years.

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