March 20, 2023 - A recent study by the University of Chicago found a trend upward of coal miners suffering higher incidents of black lung and of lung cancer.

The study compared coal miner health records as far back as 1979. The examination revealed a drop in black lung disease in the 1980’s, but reflected in more recent years the rate started to climb again and the trend was also more prevalent in younger coal miners.

Although the study offered no conclusions on a pinpoint for a cause in the increase, the United Mine Workers of America had some theories on the root cause.

Josh Roberts is the union’s Administrator for Health and Safety. Reacting to the study, he said there are several issues. Roberts said the increased prevalence of black lung is possibly the result of increased technology which is allowing for access to coal which previously was considered unmineable because of the mix with rocks.

“You’re seeing an increase in silica because now they’re mining seams of coal with more rock and the equipment is larger and more powerful to break up the rock and mine it,” he explained. “They’re mining more coal in more rock and that creates more dust.”

Roberts also pointed out OSHA recently updated its silica standard to 50 milligrams, but MSHA, which oversees mining safety, has not updated their standard and it remains at 100 milligrams.

As for the growing prevalence of lung cancer among miners, again, there was only a theory for the union.

“We believe that to be coming from the increase in diesel equipment,” Roberts said.

Although West Virginia’s mining laws are particularly stringent on diesel emissions in coal mines, the rest of the nation and federal regulations are not as strict according to Roberts.

The study found that ‘progressive massive fibrosis, which is only caused by dust inhalation, was also more frequent in younger age groups. Thus, it appears likely that coal mine dust inhalation also contributed to their increased burden of nonmalignant respiratory disease’

UMWA President Cecil Roberts put out a statement on the detrimental effects of silica in the coal industry.

“I testified before Congress about the effects of silica exposure in 2019. It is now four years later, and this study proves how catastrophic this delay has been for working coal miners.”

“It is a shame the number of young miners that had to contract deadly diagnoses in order to make a change to our health and safety laws. Let’s get this standard passed and save the lives of those that provide the energy it takes to live ours.”