What Does
Black Lung Disease Mean?
Black lung disease is the name given to any type of lung disease that originates from the inhalation of coal dust. Coast dust turns the color of the lungs from pink to black. The medical term for the condition is coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) and it comes in two varieties: simple CWP and complicated CWP.
Safeopedia Explains Black Lung Disease
When coal dust gets into the lungs, it increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The severity of a person's CWP depends on the type of coal dust they were exposed to, the amount of dust in the air, and the length of exposure. Symptoms of the condition are constant coughing and sputum (mucus), shortness of breath, and airway obstruction.