I looked up Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung) as the occupational-related disease to research. This disease is caused by inhaling certain dusts, commonly asbestos fibers, silica dust and coal mine dust (hence the term "black lung", from the coal). This is typically a slow progressing disease over many years, though can occasionally progress rapidly and lead to impaired lung function and eventually death. The way to avoid this commonly work-exposure based illness is proper ventilation and dust control in the work place.
NIOSH has published recommended exposure limits (RELs) over the years, starting in 1995, and updated in 2011. They produced several reports illuminating the dangers associated with coal mine dust exposure on one's health and continue to do so. They currently operate the B Reader Program to identify and recruit physicians capable of detecting pneumoconiosis in coal mine workers. They also run the Coal Worker's Health Surveillance Program for workers to monitor the their health in underground coal mines in the US. The program was initiated in 1969 in response to the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act to increase early detection and treatment. The current "Enhanced" version of this program, also run through NIOSH, includes a mobile health unit that travels to workers in various locations and performs exams.
you more commonly hear of black lung associated with coal mine dust, not asbestos fibers or silica dust. great information!
ReplyDeleteThe slow progressing diseases are the most dangerous because it gives a false sense of health to these individuals. I think those who work in these at risk industries need to have periodic monitoring check ups.
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