NIOSH Offering Free Black Lung Screenings in Ohio and West Virginia
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will provide free, confidential screenings this September to help coal miners detect black lung disease early.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Sep 10, 2025
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is providing free and confidential black lung disease screenings throughout September at multiple locations in Ohio and West Virginia.
Six new screening sites have been added:
- Zanesville, OH – Ohio University, Zanesville (Sept. 15, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
- Wheeling, WV – UMWA Wheeling Office (Sept. 16, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.)
- Woodsfield, OH – Municipal Building (Sept. 17, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
- Hopedale, OH – Volunteer Fire Department (Sept. 18, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
- Triadelphia, WV – Bass Pro Shop (Sept. 19, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Mannington, WV – Price Cutter (Sept. 23, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
All current and former coal miners—whether working underground on the surface, or under contract—are encouraged to participate. The screenings help with early detection of black lung disease, a preventable but serious respiratory condition caused by inhaling coal mine dust.
The screening process takes about 30 minutes and includes a work history and respiratory questionnaire, a chest X-ray, a blood pressure check, and a breathing test.
A confidential report of the results will be sent to each participant within eight to ten weeks. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are recommended.
These mobile screenings support NIOSH’s mission to prevent work-related illness and improve occupational health outcomes.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.