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NIOSH Publication No. 2002-122:Coal Workers' X-Ray Surveillance Program |
May 2002 |
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What is Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis?Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling coal mine dust. Although some miners never develop the disease, others may develop the early signs after less than 10 years of mining experience. According to recent studies by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), about one of every 20 miners participating in our program has X-ray evidence of some pneumoconiosis. In its early stages, called simple pneumoconiosis, the disease may not prevent you from working or carrying on most normal activities. In some miners, the disease never becomes more severe. In other miners, the disease progresses from simple to complicated pneumoconiosis, a condition also called progressive massive fibrosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the damage that the dust has already done to your lungs. However, preventing Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis is among the highest priorities in protecting the health of the coal miner. It is an effort that requires the commitment of you, the miner, as well as the coal mine operator. How can I know whether I have Black Lung?Pneumoconiosis may be diagnosed from chest X-rays. The Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as amended by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, has created two X-ray programs. The first program is for new coal miners and requires that when you begin working in underground coal mining, you must be offered a chest X-ray, either as part of a pre-placement physical examination or within six months after being hired. Three years later you must be offered a second chest X-ray. If this second examination reveals evidence of pneumoconiosis, you must be offered a third chest X-ray two years after the second. The second program is for all miners working in an underground coal mine. You must be offered a chest X-ray approximately every five years during a six-month time period arranged by the coal mine and approved by NIOSH. What else might the X-ray examination tell me?In addition to providing an indication of whether or not you have pneumoconiosis, the X-ray examination may also reveal evidence of other medical disorders. Heart problems and certain other diseases such as tuberculosis and lung cancer may be detected through a chest X-ray. To whom does NIOSH send the medical report?The law requires that NIOSH report the results of your examination to the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). MSHA will then notify you of any rights you may have, based on the X-ray examination results. No one else, including your physician, will be notified of the results without your written permission. Coal mine operators cannot request or receive a report of your X-ray. How can I learn more about my transfer options?If your chest X-ray report indicates definite evidence of “BLACK LUNG,” you will receive a letter from MSHA offering you a transfer option. The transfer option gives you the right to work at a job in the mine where the dust concentration is not more than 1.0 milligram per cubic meter of air. It is possible that the dust exposure on your current job already meets that level, and you would not be entitled to a transfer. If you exercise this transfer option, the coal company that you work for will be notified by MSHA. Before you exercise your transfer option, we recommend that you contact the MSHA District Office nearest you to discuss specifics and details about transfer options (see enclosed resource list). What if I have any symptoms or health concerns?If you have shortness of breath, cough, or any other health concerns, we suggest you ask your doctor about them right away. Also, contact your doctor if the X-ray report mentions a health condition that requires medical follow-up, testing, or treatment. If you don’t have a regular doctor, you can find a doctor who knows about mining-related health problems at one of the U.S. Government-supported Black Lung Clinics. These clinics typically offer benefits counseling, treatment, and testing, including chest X-rays, laboratory services, pulmonary function testing, and education about respiratory diseases, for miners and their families. Active, inactive, and retired coal miners who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases are eligible for such services. Services vary from clinic to clinic, so check with your nearest Black Lung Clinic (see enclosed resource list) for specifics. If you cannot determine which clinic is closest to you, you may contact MSHA or your union office for physician referral information. Alternatively, you may look in your telephone book for a physician that specializes in pulmonary disease or occupational medicine. How can I learn about Federal disability benefits or compensation?If you have been told by a physician that you have pneumoconiosis or other lung problems, you may have questions about whether you are eligible for any compensation from the Federal Government. The Federal Black Lung Benefits Program is completely separate from the State Workers’ Compensation programs. Some miners may qualify for one program and not the other. The Federal program provides payments and medical treatment to coal miners who are totally disabled from pneumoconiosis (Black Lung) arising from their employment in or around the nation's coal mines. In select cases, payments may be paid to eligible surviving dependents. To find out about your eligibility for Federal Black Lung Benefits, contact the nearest Black Lung Benefits Office (see enclosed resource list). How can I learn about State disability benefits or compensation?If you have been told by a physician that you have pneumoconiosis or other lung problems, you may have questions about whether you are eligible for any compensation from the State Government. Workers’ Compensation programs are different in every state, so you should contact your State Office of Workers’ Compensation (see enclosed resource list). Call now – if you don’t apply in time, you could lose your benefits forever. How can I get a copy of my X-ray or find out more about my X-ray report?NIOSH arranges for experts to review your chest X-ray, and stores the film for future comparisons. If you need a copy or want more information about your chest X-ray, contact NIOSH (see enclosed resource list). |
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