Information Collection: Periodic Medical Surveillance Examinations for Coal Miners

Chronic exposure to respirable coal mine dust causes lung diseases including coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP), emphysema, silicosis, and chronic bronchitis, collectively known as “black lung.” There are no specific treatments to cure black lung. Chronic effects may progress even after miners are no longer exposed to respirable coal mine dust resulting in increased disability and death. Other complications from exposure to respirable coal mine dust, such as pulmonary and cardiac failure, may result in total disability and premature death.