Posts Tagged ‘Black Lung’
New Studies Document Rise of Black Lung Disease
Researchers identified over 4,000 cases of severe black lung disease over the past 50 years, with more than half occurring in the last 16 years.
Read MoreCoal Mine Deaths Rise in 2017, Agency to Reconsider Black Lung Rule
Coal mining fatalities are nearly double what they were last year, and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration announced it would revisit a rule intended to protect miners from black lung disease.
Read MoreSevere Black Lung Disease Makes A Deadly Resurgence
Diagnoses of the most severe form of black lung disease, known as progressive massive fibrosis, are on the rise in Appalachia. The causes of this deadly trend aren’t entirely clear, though it may be linked to the silica rock dust associated with thinner layers of coal.
Read MoreNew Mine Safety Standards Survive Industry Challenge
Despite challenges from industry groups, a federal court has upheld new mine safety standards that will go into effect on Feb. 1.
Read MoreInvestigation Finds Fraud in Black Lung Cases
By Kimber Ray A year-long investigation revealed evidence this fall that the coal industry has supported fraudulent practices in order to block workers’ compensation claims for black lung disease. According to the investigation conducted by The Center for Public Integrity and ABC News, it appears that officials at prestigious medical institutions including Johns Hopkins Hospital…
Read MoreOn the Right Side of the Law
By Molly Moore From the gallery of the Kentucky State Capitol, lawyer Wes Addington and a group of women from eastern Kentucky — mostly widows of coal miners — watched the Kentucky House pass a bill expanding legal and safety protections for state miners. The women had advocated tirelessly in support of the law, and…
Read MoreProgress on Black Lung Prevention
By Kimber Ray After over three years of delay, a proposal for stricter coal dust standards appears to be moving forward. The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration has submitted a final draft of its rules to the Office of Management and Budget for review. This development followed a letter sent by Senator Jay Rockefeller…
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