Black Lung Disease

Black lung disease is the common name for pneumoconiosis (CWP) or anthracosis, a lung disease found in older workers of the coal industry. It is caused by inhalation of small amounts of coal dust over many years.

Although people living in cities often have some black lung deposits due to polluted air, coal miners have deposits in a much greater concentration.

Particles of fine coal dust accumulate in lungs as they cannot be destroyed within or removed from the lungs. Eventually this buildup causes thickening and scarring, making the lungs less efficient.

The primary symptom of the disease is shortness of breath, which gradually gets worse as the disease progresses. In severe cases, it may cause heart failure. S In some cases, a progressive massive fibrosis develops, in which damage continues in the upper parts of the lungs even after exposure to dust has ended.

Often some patients develop emphysema (Shortness ofbreath), a complication of black lung disease. X-rays can detect black lung disease before it causes any symptoms

Patients who develop this disease at an early age or who have progressive massive fibrosis have a higher risk of premature death