A respiratory disease caused by inhaling coal dust for prolonged periods.
Alternative Names
Black lung disease; Pneumoconiosis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Coal workers pneumoconiosis occurs in two forms: simple and complicated (progressive massive fibrosis). Inhalation of coal dust causes this disease. The simple form is usually not disabling, but the complicated form often is. Smoking does not increase the prevalence of this disease, but may have an additive detrimental effect on lung function . The risk of developing the disease is related to the duration and extent of exposure to the coal dust. Most affected workers are over the age of 50. The incidence is 6 out of 100,000 people.
Support groups
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See lung disease - support group .
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome for the simple form is usually good; however, the complicated form may become a disabling illness.
Prevention
Enforcement of maximum permitted dust levels in occupational settings and the use of protective masks are preventive measures used to minimize occupational exposure to coal dust.