Is black lung an occupational disease?
Is black lung an occupational disease?
Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), commonly known as “black lung disease,” occurs when coal dust is inhaled. Over time, continued exposure to the coal dust causes scarring in the lungs, impairing your ability to breathe. Considered an occupational lung disease, it is most common among coal miners.
How is black lung disease diagnosed?
CWP is diagnosed through an occupational history and chest X-rays. Lung function tests may be used to determine how badly the lungs are damaged. Occupational history is very important to the diagnosis of CWP—if a person has not been exposed to coal dust, he or she cannot have CWP.
What does the term black lung mean in reference to miners?
Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as black lung disease or black lung, is caused by long-term exposure to coal dust. It is common in coal miners and others who work with coal. It is similar to both silicosis from inhaling silica dust and asbestosis from inhaling asbestos dust.
Can a coal worker get black lung disease?
Black lung disease is a disease related to work, but it is avoidable and preventable. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has safety standards for workers at risk for CWP. When they’re on the job, coal workers should: Wear a mask.
Who is entitled to compensation for black lung?
Current and former coal miners (including certain coal transportation and coal mine construction workers who were exposed to coal mine dust) and surviving dependents (including spouses, children, and dependent parents or siblings) who meet specified entitlement conditions may be entitled to black lung benefits.
How to get a black lung physical examination?
If we do not provide the “Employment History” form, and it is not available from the Black Lung District Office that authorized this examination, you must obtain a brief work history from the miner for entry in Blocks B.1. and B.2. Block D.4. Physical Findings.
How old do you have to be to have black lung disease?
Estimates say around 16% of coal miners in the United States eventually may have lung issues from coal dust. It can take years or decades for the disease to develop. Some people don’t have symptoms until they retire. (Most of the people diagnosed with the disease are over age 50.)
Black lung disease is a disease related to work, but it is avoidable and preventable. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has safety standards for workers at risk for CWP. When they’re on the job, coal workers should: Wear a mask.
If we do not provide the “Employment History” form, and it is not available from the Black Lung District Office that authorized this examination, you must obtain a brief work history from the miner for entry in Blocks B.1. and B.2. Block D.4. Physical Findings.
Estimates say around 16% of coal miners in the United States eventually may have lung issues from coal dust. It can take years or decades for the disease to develop. Some people don’t have symptoms until they retire. (Most of the people diagnosed with the disease are over age 50.)
What are the causes of black lung disease?
Causes. Black lung disease is considered a job-related illness. You get it when you inhale coal dust over a long period of time. Because it mainly affects coal miners, it’s also known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP). As you breathe in coal dust, particles settle into your airways and lungs.