Black Lung Disease Rates Surge in Appalachian Coal Mining States
What happened
A new study shows that rates of black lung disease are surging in Appalachia. This respiratory illness, which afflicts both underground and surface coal miners, is concentrated in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Virginia. The Trump administration has put regulations intended to reduce miners' exposure to coal and silica dust on hold.
From wpsu.org
Why it matters
Black lung disease is caused by dust particles lodging in the lungs, which can compromise lung function over time. The delay in regulations that would reduce dust exposure introduces regulatory uncertainty for the coal mining industry in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
From wpsu.org
Who's involved
- West VirginiaState where black lung disease is concentrated
- PennsylvaniaState where black lung disease is concentrated
- KentuckyState where black lung disease is concentrated
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- West VirginiaSpeculative
Coal mining operations in West Virginia might face increased costs or reduced supply due to regulatory uncertainty.
- PennsylvaniaSpeculative
Coal mining operations in Pennsylvania might face increased costs or reduced supply due to regulatory uncertainty.
- KentuckySpeculative
Coal mining operations in Kentucky might face increased costs or reduced supply due to regulatory uncertainty.
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The entities involved
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West Virginia
state of the United States of America
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Pennsylvania
state of the United States of America