Health screenings in 13 counties in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia will be provided to miners starting this week. This is a free service provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to detect early signs of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.
The Dark Truth Behind Black Lung
Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis is also conveniently known as “black lung”. While a serious lung disease, it is a preventable condition usually acquired on the jobsite, particularly because of prolonged or frequent inhalation of coal mine dust.
NIOSH says that the disease may present few or no symptoms. But with increased exposure to coal mine dust, the lungs may become scarred and the miner may experience shortness of breath. In severe cases, black lung may lead to disability or, worse, death.
Free and Confidential Screening
Green County, Pennsylvania is among the first counties to have its health screenings as miners can benefit from the free testing as early as this week. Under the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, every working underground coal miner has the right to undergo the chest X-ray screening for free.
For the 13 counties in the said states, NIOSH will provide not only X-ray screenings but also a breathing test and an interview to identify potential health concerns. NIOSH then provides the miners with results of the screening, which should remain confidential, as dictated by law.
You may directly contact NIOSH for more details on the testing schedule by calling them toll free at 888-480-4042.
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