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(Reuters) – More than 10 percent of US coal miners with at least 25 years of experience have black lung disease, the highest rate recorded for about two decades, according to a government study released Thursday. The study conducted by researchers from the Government's National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health is the most convincing proof to date of a resurgence of the incurable respiratory disease caused by the coal dust that raged in the 1970s. eradicated by the 1990s.
"Although many consider the black lung as a disease of antiquity, it is undeniable that … these contemporary cases result from 39; harmful exposures encountered in the 21st century, "say the authors in the report published in the American Journal. Public Health
The National Mining Association, which represents US mining companies, raised doubts about badertions The ack lung disease is rebounding, arguing that minors are not required to participate in screening.
"The exclusion of healthy individuals who self-select out of the program can skew the results – we will not know until more data is available, Ashley Burke, wears – NMA's Speech
The NIOSH report's authors stated that their findings underscored the need for stricter regulation while the administration of US President Donald Trump is seeking comments from the government. 39, industry the exposure to mining coal dust in underground mines to 1.5 milligrams per cubic meter, from 2 mg / m3
"Improvement and diligent application of 2014 standards remains critical for to reverse these trends, "he writes.
She does not oppose the 2014 limits.
She added:" The results of the study are very troubling but, above all, they concern minors whose exposure dates back to decades es, before being more rigorous. ds have been set up.
APPALACHIAN GROUP
The highest rates of the disease appear in central Appalachian states like Kentucky and West Virginia, according to the report, where one-fifth of long-term miners have black lung disease and five percent have an advanced form considered completely debilitating
"We can not think of any other industry or place of work in the United States where it would be
Health officials, who report Anecdotal evidence of increased black lung rates for years in the Appalachians, claim that miners in the area dig the depths of the coal seams with the help of heavy loads. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine said last month that coal companies must make a "fundamental change" in the way they control exposure to coal dust. He also urged regulators to improve dust monitoring and to conduct more research on the causes of the resurgence.
Meanwhile, a federal fund to help victims of black lung disease may require a multi-billion dollar bailout. the tax on coal production that finances it, the Government Accountability Office said last month.
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