At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What Is Miner's Disease?
Miner’s disease, or pneumoconiosis, is a condition affecting the lungs of people with regular exposure to dust particles. Large amounts of coal dust can become lodged in lung tissue, resulting in scarring and other damage. This can lead to symptoms such as chest tightness and coughing. The condition can be caused by any type of dust and has historically been very common among miners who are exposed to coal dust on a daily basis.
There are several diseases that can be caused by coal dust. When coal dust enters the lungs, it can result in inflammation and irritation of internal tissue. Over time, and depending on the level of exposure to coal dust, this can cause a disease known as emphysema, which is a rare condition causing inflammation of small air sacs in the lungs. Chronic bronchitis, which is inflammation of the breathing tubes, also can be caused by coal dust.
The most common disease caused by exposure to coal dust is pneumoconiosis, which is otherwise known as miner’s disease. This disease encompasses a range of conditions, all of which are caused by dust being retained in the lungs and surrounding tissue. Other names for the condition include anthrosilicosis and black lung disease. Although the condition is often referred to as miner’s disease, it can be caused by over-exposure to many different types of dust, meaning miners aren't the only ones who suffer from it.
When coal dust enters the lungs, the small particles can become stuck in the lung tissue. Small amounts are unlikely to cause a negative effect but, if a person is repeatedly exposed to coal dust, such as in a mine shaft, then the body eventually tries to attack the dust. This is known as an immune system response and can lead to parts of the lung tissue becoming scarred.
There are a number of symptoms of miner’s disease, some of which may not develop for several years. The severity of the condition depends on a range of factors, including the type of minerals present in the dust. Symptoms include a feeling of tightness across the chest, coughing, shortness of breath and various other problems with the lungs.
It is not possible to treat the underlying cause of miner’s disease, because the scarring of the lungs is permanent. Instead, treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms of the condition. It also is important for a person with miner’s disease to be monitored regularly for signs of lung cancer.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Entrance to a coal mine.]()
By: MajusC00LEntrance to a coal mine. -
![Large tunnels in a coal mine.]()
By: AniuszkaLarge tunnels in a coal mine. -
![Miner's disease can be caused by not properly utilizing safety gear.]()
By: chiaktoMiner's disease can be caused by not properly utilizing safety gear.
Discussion Comments
Don't people who work around dust have regular checkups to see how their lungs are doing?
It's terrible to hear that miner's disease is on the rise. But from what I understand, it takes a while for this disease to start showing its symptoms. If people who work around dust keep a close eye on their lung health, they could avoid the disease.
I'm sure that negligence on part of the employers is an issue. But I think workers have to take their health in their own hands too. No one is going to tell them to stop working because they're inhaling too much dust. Employers just want to make money. So employees should see a doctor regularly and if they are suffering from lung damage, they should change jobs.
@turkay1-- According to a newspaper article I saw recently, black lung disease is actually on the rise.
I think in the early nineties when many coal miners and their families starting suing coal companies, things had gotten a little better. So up until recently, black lung disease wasn't being seen as much in coal workers. I'm not sure why but the article said that the numbers have been going up in the past couple of years. So clearly, this problem still exists.
I've always heard this disease being referred to as "black lung disease" not "miner's disease," but I knew that it's often seen in miners.
My grandfather suffered from this. He worked in mines all his life. Many of his friends who worked with him ended up with lung cancer. His condition didn't worsen to that point but the symptoms of pneumoconiosis was quite severe when he was older, according to my dad.
I was about five years old when he passed away but I vaguely remember him coughing and using an oxygen tank.
Black lung disease isn't as common anymore right? I know there are still people working in coal mines. But I think more health and safety precautions are being taken now than in the past.
Post your comments