NIOSH to Provide Free Black Lung Screenings in April, May 2023
The confidential screenings are available to all coal miners, current or former.
- By Alex Saurman
- Apr 05, 2023
Coal miners are exposed to multiple hazards on the job and are at risk for certain occupational illnesses, including black lung disease.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimated that in 2012, seven percent of coal miners who worked a minimum of 25 years had black lung. In 2018, that number was 10 percent.
To help detect black lung early, NIOSH announced it will be providing free black lung screenings throughout April and at the beginning of May 2023.
According to a news release, these confidential screenings will be held in mobile units in Indiana and Texas and are open to all coal miners, “current, former, underground, surface, and those under contract.”
Participants will be asked about their work history and given a respiratory questionnaire. They will also receive a chest x-ray, blood pressure screening and a breathing test, the press release said. Results will be available eight to 10 weeks after the visit.
“If black lung is caught early, steps can be taken to help prevent it from progressing to the most serious forms of the disease,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D., in the news release. “The NIOSH mobile unit provides underground, surface and contract miners with confidential screenings that can support next steps in reducing their exposure to coal dust.”
NIOSH recommends those wishing to participate make an appointment, though it is not necessary; Walk-ins will be accepted.
As of this publication, mobile screenings will be available at the following locations:
- Bear Run Mine in Carlisle, Indiana from April 17 to 20
- Longview Occupational Medical Clinic in Longview, Texas on April 24 and 25
- Kosse Strip Mine in Kosse, Texas from April 26 to 28
- Holiday Inn Express Jourdanton in Jourdanton, Texas on May 1
- San Miguel Lignite Mine in Christine, Texas from May 2 to 4
Information on dates and times can be found on the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) webpage and NIOSH’s Facebook page.
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.