Condition Basics

What is black lung disease?

Black lung disease is the common name for a lung disease that results from breathing in coal dust. When people have this disease, their lungs look black instead of pink. Another name for it is coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). There are two forms: simple CWP and complicated CWP (also called progressive massive fibrosis, or PMF).

The buildup of coal dust in the lungs raises your risk of chronic bronchitis and COPD. How severe black lung disease is depends on the type and amount of coal dust and how long you were exposed to it.

What causes it?

Black lung disease is caused by breathing in coal dust until it builds up in your lungs. This usually occurs from working closely with coal, such as in a mine or a mill. It can also result from working with other substances, such as graphite or carbon. Black lung disease may appear during your exposure to the dust or after your exposure has ended.

What are the symptoms?

Many people don't have symptoms. But people who have severe scarring of the lungs may have symptoms. These may include a cough, excess mucus (sputum), shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your work history and your symptoms. The doctor will do a physical exam and a chest X-ray or CT scan. You may have lung function tests to check how well your lungs are working.

Your work history is very important for diagnosing black lung disease. Be sure to include summer jobs, student jobs, military history, and short-term jobs as well as recent and past full-time jobs.

How is black lung disease treated?

There is no cure for black lung disease, but the problems it causes can be treated. You may take medicines and have treatments to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

How can you prevent it?

Try to reduce your exposure to coal dust as much as you can. For example, you might be able to ask to work in an area with less dust. Changing jobs may be an option for some people. Employers are legally required to take steps to protect workers by controlling coal dust and having good ventilation in the workplace.

You can also get screening tests. Screening can find black lung disease early to help keep it from becoming severe. Go to www.cdc.gov/niosh/cwhsp for more information.