The Problem

• After particles of fine coal dust are breathed in, the lungs cannot remove or destroy them. In coal miners, this dust builds up over time, causing lung scarring and breathing problems.
  
  

Types

• Black lung disease is known medically as anthracosilicosis, or coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). As it worsens, the disease may become progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).
  
  

Symptoms

• People with CWP may have no symptoms or may experience coughing and excess mucus. PMF has symptoms of coughing and shortness of breath, which continues to worsen and becomes debilitating.
  
  

Complications

• PMF can lead to development of other lung diseases, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, which can result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a permanent obstruction of airflow in the lungs.
  
  

Considerations

• There is no cure for black lung disease, although a person with CWP who stops working in a coal mine has a good chance at preventing the disease from progressing. Treatment can only address symptoms and complications.