M10.8 Black Lung

"Black lung" or better known as Pneumoconiosis, is a term that is given for any lung disease caused by dusts that are breathed in and then deposited deep in the lungs causing damage. Pneumoconiosis, is also known to be a product of asbestosis, coal workers - better known as black lung disease.

The history of black lung came from coal workers inhaling coal mine dust.
The disease is most commonly found among miners of hard coal, but it also occurs in soft coal miners or graphite workers.

Currently, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act  provided annual inspections in certain underground coal mines and including power to issue violation notices and imminent danger withdraws.

In 2006, congress passed the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response act (Miner Act). The Miner Act amended the Mine Act to require mine-specific emergency response plans to underground coal mines including rescue teams, sealing and abandoned areas.

Currently, in the U.S, there are Black Lung Clinics that receive funding from HRSA that seek out and provide services to coal miners whether they are currently involved or not.

There is also a Black Lung Benefit given medically for patients who qualify. I am familiar with Medicare benefits offering Black Lung as a diagnosis.



sources:
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumoconiosis/
https://arlweb.msha.gov/solicitor/coalact/69act.htm
https://www.npr.org/2012/07/05/156302772/what-is-black-lung