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End Black Lung
ACT NOW!
suffering from black lung and waiting for a lung transplant |
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Respirable coal mine dust can cause lung diseases such as coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP), emphysema, silicosis, and bronchitis'known collectively as black lung. Black lung can lead to lung impairment, permanent disability, and even death. While there is no cure for black lung, there are important and potentially life-saving measures that MSHA requires to be undertaken to reduce exposure to respirable coal mine dust and prevent disease. Even though these measures have been required for many years, new cases of black lung continue to occur among the nation's coal miners, even in younger miners. Studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and MSHA in 2005, 2006, 2007 of chest x-ray surveillance by NIOSH indicated that the prevalence rate of CWP is increasing in our Nation's coal miners. Even more disturbing is that advanced and seriously debilitating cases of CWP are now seen in younger and younger miners. While considerable progress has been made in reducing miners exposure to respirable coal mine dust, miners continue to develop black lung and silicosis. MSHA is implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes rulemaking, enhanced enforcement, collaborative outreach and education and training. The risk to a miner's health can be reduced by controlling respirable coal mine dust exposures. It's time to End Black Lung ACT NOW! Phase II Rulemaking Material - Launched October 2010
Regulatory Information
More Resources
Phase I Material - Launched December 2009 Important Information from the Assistant Secretary
Statements of Support
More Resources
Meeting Programs
Joint NIOSH/MSHA Dust Control Workshops Respirable Coal Mine Dust Historical Information and Data
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