What is black lung disease? Is it contagious?
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Black lung disease is a common name for any lung disease developing from inhaling coal dust. This name comes from the fact that those with the disease have lungs that look black instead of pink. Medically, it is a type of pneumoconiosis called coal workers' pneumoconiosis. There are two forms: simple, which is known as coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP); and complicated, which is known as progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).
The inhalation and accumulation of coal dust into the lungs increases the risk of developing emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Coal dust can also increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What causes coal workers' pneumoconiosis?
The inhalation and accumulation of coal dust causes coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). This stems from working in a coal mine, coal trimming (loading and stowing coal for storage), mining or milling graphite, and manufacturing carbon electrodes (used in certain types of large furnaces) and carbon black (a compound used in many items, such as tires and other rubber goods). Because CWP is a reaction to accumulated dust in the lungs, it may appear and get worse during your exposure to the dust or after your exposure has ceased.
The severity of CWP depends on the type of coal mine and the dust conditions in the work environment.
How is CWP diagnosed?
CWP is diagnosed through an occupational history and chest X-rays. Lung function tests may be used to determine how badly the lungs are damaged.
Occupational history is very important to the diagnosis of CWP-if a person has not been exposed to coal dust, he or she cannot have CWP. The occupational history should include not only recent and past full-time employment, but also summer jobs, student jobs, military history, and short-term jobs.
The diagnosis of CWP has legal public health implications, since some states require that all cases be reported.
The way to avoid black lung disease is to never come in contact with coal dust. And, no, it is not contagious.
This disease is very common in Trinidad, CO where I used to live. Up until the past few years there were many coals mines that were open and many of the people in town worked there. They have all been shut down now.
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