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Which workers are most likely to develop coal workers’ pneumoconiosis?

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Asbestosis — occupational disease The lung disease asbestosis is caused primarily by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. It occurs mainly among workers whose occupations involve exposure to asbestos and people who live near mines, factories, and construction sites.

Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung, is an occupational disease caused by the repeated inhalation of coal dust over many years.1

Workers most likely to develop this condition include:

Coal miners: The disease occurs most frequently among those who mine hard coal (anthracite) or soft coal.12
Processing and transport workers: Individuals involved in the transporting or processing of coal are also at significant risk.2
Other related occupations: The condition is also known to occur in graphite workers.1

The risk of developing the disease is directly related to the total amount of dust exposure, with symptoms typically appearing only after 10 to 20 years of exposure. While the disease is primarily associated with coal dust, it is important to note that coal dust is often contaminated with silica, and there is strong evidence that tobacco smoking significantly aggravates the condition.13