What is causing the increase in black lung disease?

The study is the first cross-generational comparison of the pathology and mineralogy of the disease commonly known as black lung disease

Black lung disease rates have been declining since modern coal dust control measures were implemented in the 1970s, before the first reported rise in black lung disease in 2005

“We know that silica is highly toxic and that exposure to silica can cause pneumoconiosis in coal workers, but we don’t know why coal workers are suddenly getting more and more severe disease

To better understand the phenomenon, Cohen and his collaborators collected lung tissue samples from coal miners with severe black lung disease

The researchers looked at the samples for pathology -- the physical characteristics of diseased lungs

Advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy are used to measure the chemical, crystal structure and physical properties of mineral particles in samples

Cohen and his team found a clear link between silica exposure and severe black lung disease in contemporary miners:

• Compared with historical miners, contemporary miners have significantly higher rates of silicosis (57% vs 18%)

  
  

• Pneumopulmonary alveolar proteinosis is more common among contemporary miners (70% vs.

  
  

• The percentages (26% vs.

  
  

• When silicosis-type severe black lung, mineral dust alveolar protein deposition, silicosis nodules or immature silicosis nodules appear, the concentration of silicosis particles increases significantly (more than 50%)

  
  

"These findings provide the first direct evidence that silica is the causative factor behind the increased incidence of progressive massive fibrosis (severe black lung disease)

He believes that the silicon-driven recovery may be due to changes in mining technology, such as the introduction of mechanized coal mining equipment in the United States in the 1950s, when miners born in or after 1930 may have started their careers

"Our findings underscore the importance of controlling workplace silica exposure to prevent disabling and untreatable adverse health effects among U.

In 2019, the Mine Safety and Health Administration launched a request for information to inform its silica rules, but the standards established in 1969 remain in effect

The researchers published their findings in an article in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, "Pathology and mineralogy prove that respirable crystalline silica is the leading cause of severe pneumoconiosis in U.

Co-authors of the study are UIC's Dr.

Collaborating institutions include National Jewish Health and the University of Colorado, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.
S.
Geological Survey, Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, State University of New York, University of Calgary and the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg
.

Cecile Rose, Lauren Zell-Baran, Emily Sarver, Heather, Sidney Clingerman, Diana Richardson, Dr.
Jerrold Abraham, Dr.
Carlyne Cool, Dr.
Angela Franko, Dr.
Ann Hubbs, Dr.
Jill Murray, Dr.
Marlene Orandle, Dr.
Soma Sanyal, Dr.
Naseema Vorajee , Dr.
Edward Petsonk, Dr.
Rafia Zulfikar and Dr.
Francis Green are co-authors of the collaborating institution
.

The research was funded by the Alpha Foundation for Improving Mining Safety and Health
.

Journal Reference :

1. Robert A Cohen, Cecile S Rose, Leonard HT Go, Lauren M Zell-Baran, Kirsten S Almberg, Emily A Sarver, Heather A Lowers, Cayla Iwaniuk, Sidney M Clingerman, Diana L Richardson, Jerrold L Abraham, Carlyne D Cool, Angela D Franko, Ann F Hubbs, Jill Murray, Marlene S Orandle, Soma Sanyal, Naseema I Vorajee, Edward L Petsonk, Rafia Zulfikar, Francis HY Green.
   Pathology and Mineralogy Demonstrate Respirable Crystalline Silica is a Major Cause of Severe Pneumoconiosis in US Coal Miners .
   Annals of the American Thoracic Society , 2022; DOI: 10.
   1513/AnnalsATS.
   202109-1064OC