The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

Related Photos

  • C.L. Garvin

    MSHA
December 3, 2009

Black lung

<b>Illness still a problem, but one with hope</b>

If you thought it was a disease that disappeared with your grandfather’s generation of coal miners, think again.

Black lung has been a problem for much longer than the 40 years since the government began compensating miners’ families for the disease. In fact, since 1970 the federal government has paid roughly $44 billion in benefits to miners and their families because of the incurable illness. It’s killed some 10,000 miners in the last decade alone.

At one time, it appeared the disease was diminishing. But about 10 years ago, black lung cases in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and Pennsylvania began to increase, especially among miners in their late 30s and early 40s.

Thankfully, government officials are not ignoring the problem.

Thursday, they unveiled a three-fold plan to combat the disease. Its first component: education. Miners, mine operators and mine inspectors need to know all the information available about the ailment, including its connection to dust control. Mines here and across the country will be participating in a Dust Sweep project to make sure required dust control measures are in place.

Additionally, mines will be subject to stricter enforcement of existing regulations put in place to combat black lung.

Thirdly, it seems a new technology may become available to help miners monitor the amount of dust they’re breathing in the mines.

Let’s hope that technology comes quickly, and let’s hope it makes a positive difference.

Coal mining — as controversial a topic as it may be these days — is an absolutely vital part of our state’s economy and our nation’s energy source.

The men and women who spend hours underground breathing dust particles that could damage their respiratory systems are not only earning livelihoods for themselves and their families, they’re providing the rest of us with electricity. Far too often, they suffer for their efforts. We owe it to them to see that our government and mine operators take every possible step to make the coal mining work environment safer.

Underground coal mining safety has come a long way in the last four decades. But apparently, it still has much farther to go. Respiratory illness linked to coal dust remains a problem.

It is our hope that some day the only education necessary regarding black lung will be the one our students read about in history books.

Text Only
Local News
AP Video
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House' Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo. Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate' Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com