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NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:Occupational Respiratory Disease Surveillance |
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In light of the observed onset of advanced pneumoconiosis among younger coal miners, and the apparent regional clustering of rapidly progressive cases, NIOSH, in collaboration with MSHA, has developed, staffed, and implemented the ECWHSP. Surveys are being completed that include specifically designed standardized health questionnaires, work histories, spirometry testing,radiographic examinations, and collection of other relevant health information, which are gathered in a specially designed mobile examination unit by trained personnel. Reports of individual health findings are sent to each participant. Coal mineralogy, mining conditions, respirable dust and silica exposure concentrations, mining and dust control strategies, and other relevant data in regions with disease clusters are being collected under a separate NIOSH project entitled, "Dust Control Technology for Black Lung Hot Spots." The results of these NIOSH activities are intended to facilitate preventive actions, through the derivation of representative current estimates of the burden, distribution, and determinants of occupational lung disease in relation to coal mining in the U.S. NIOSH developed the video, "Faces of Black Lung", to be used as a tool to increase participation in the ECWHSP, as well as in the original CWHSP, and other activities directed at preventing the health effects of Black Lung. The goal of the video is to inform the public about the devastating health effects of the disease. A "personal face" has been put on the disease through this video, which consists of unscripted personal interviews with miners who have advanced black lung disease, along with information about the NIOSH Programs. Medical staff that treats miners, currently employed coal miners, coal operators, and medical personnel, as well as others interested in the health of coal miners, will learn more about this disease and be motivated to participate in activities aimed at preventing it.
Survey SummariesThese reports have also been produced as PDFs (PDF index). Survey Summaries by County where the number of miners examined is greater than or equal to 50Alabama Colorado Illinois Kentucky Utah Virginia West Virginia
Survey Summaries by StateSurvey Summaries by Set-up Site
Page last updated: November 12, 2008
Page last reviewed: November 12, 2008 Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Division of Respiratory Disease Studies |
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