Appalachia's Black Lung Rates Highest in Nearly 50 Years as Miners' Protections Stall The Appalachian coalfields have long been a source of pride for local communities, but they also harbor a dark secret: black lung disease, which has reached epidemic proportions in recent years.
This respiratory condition, caused by inhaling coal dust, is a preventable occupational illness that was once considered under control. However, recent data paints a starkly different picture.
Understanding Appalachia's Black Lung Crisis According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the prevalence of black lung disease among Appalachian coal miners has increased by nearly 20% since 2018, with some mines experiencing rates as high as 40%.