Pneumoconiosis is otherwise called Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis, Black Lung Disease or Miners’ Lung. It occurs when coal dust is inhaled over a long time into the lungs.

Continued exposure to coal dust over a long period causes scarring of the lungs. This impairs the ability to breathe properly. Pneumoconiosis is considered an occupational lung disease because it is most common among coal miners. But this disease rarely occurs in people who are not regularly exposed to coal dust.

The risk factors for Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis include being overweight, smoking, allergies, frequent exposure to pollutants, low birth weight or premature birth.

The symptoms of Black Lung Disease are cough, breathing difficulties, chest tightness, shortness of breath, reduced tolerance to physical activity and production of black mucous or phlegm.

Some complications of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis are heart failure, lung cancer, tuberculosis and progressive respiratory failure.

The Laboratory diagnosis of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis is breathing tests, imaging tests and lung biopsy.

There is no treatment for Black Lung Disease, but the progression of the disease can be slowed down by taking certain steps. This includes wearing an appropriate respirator while working, removing coal mine dust from clothing, proper washing of skin that has been exposed to coal dust and not smoking.

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References:
www.healthline.com
www.hopkinsmedicine.com
www.lung.org