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Coal workers pneumoconiosis
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| Definition: |
A respiratory disease caused by inhaling coal dust for prolonged periods.
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| Alternative Names: |
Black lung disease; Pneumoconiosis
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
| Coal workers pneumoconiosis occurs in two forms: simple and complicated (progressive massive fibrosis). Inhalation of coal dust causes this disease. The simple form is usually not disabling, but the complicated form often is. Smoking does not increase the prevalence of this disease, but may have an additive detrimental effect on lung function. The risk of developing the disease is related to the duration and extent of exposure to the coal dust. Most affected workers are over the age of 50. The incidence is 6 out of 100,000 people. |
| Treatment: |
| There is no specific treatment for this disorder other than treatment of complications. Avoidance of further exposure to coal dust is recommended. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| The outcome for the simple form is usually good; however, the complicated form may become a disabling illness. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms develop that are suggestive of coal workers pneumoconiosis. |
| Prevention: |
| Enforcement of maximum permitted dust levels in occupational settings and the use of protective masks are preventive measures used to minimize occupational exposure to coal dust. |
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Review Date: 12/2/2001
Reviewed By: Steven Kawut, M.D., Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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