D2I2.
occupational⚑ High burden in India

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis

Black lung disease (BLD), also known as coal workers' , coal miner’s lung, or simply black lung, is an occupational type of pneumoconiosis caused by long-term inhalation and of coal dust in the lungs and the consequent lung 's reaction to its presence. It is common in coal miners and others who work with coal. It is similar to both from inhaling silica dust and from inhaling asbestos dust. Inhaled coal dust progressively builds up in the lungs and leads to , , and in worse cases, .

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Causes — why it happens

  • ·Prolonged exposure to coal dust

Complications

  • · obstructive disease

Test yourself

0/4 answered

4 quick questions on Coal worker's pneumoconiosis. Tap an answer to check it.

1. What causes coal worker's pneumoconiosis (black lung disease)?
2. Which group of people is most likely to get black lung disease?
3. Coal worker's pneumoconiosis is most similar to which other lung diseases?
4. What does coal dust do to the lungs over time?
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.