Black Lung

Black lung is a form of pneumoconiosis in which respirable coal dust particles accumulate in the lungs and darken the tissue. This disease is progressive. Although this disease is commonly known as black lung, its official name is coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP). This disease can cause impairment, disability, and premature death. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. When symptoms do arise, they include the following:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Bluish tinge to lips and fingernails

Medical treatment of advanced cases is not very successful.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.