Coal worker's pneumoconiosis
Definition
Coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a lung disease that results from breathing in dust from coal, graphite, or man-made carbon over a long time.
CWP is also known as black lung disease.
Alternative Names
Black lung disease; Pneumoconiosis; Anthracosilicosis
Causes
CWP occurs in two forms: simple and complicated (also called progressive massive fibrosis, or PMF).
Your risk for developing CWP depends on how long you have been around coal dust. Most people with this disease are older than 50. Smoking does not increase your risk for developing this disease, but it may have an added harmful effect on the lungs.
If CWP occurs with rheumatoid arthritis, it is called Caplan syndrome.
Symptoms
Symptoms of CWP include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up of black sputum
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.
Tests that may be done include:
Treatment
Treatment may include any of the following, depending on how severe your symptoms are:
- Medicines to keep the airways open and reduce mucus
- Pulmonary rehabilitation to help you learn ways to breathe better
- Oxygen therapy
Support Groups
Ask your provider about treating and managing coal worker's pneumoconiosis. More information and support for people with CWP and their families can be found at:
American Lung Association website: lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/black-lung/treating-and-managing.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome for the simple form is usually good. It rarely causes disability or death. The complicated form may cause shortness of breath that worsens over time.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cor pulmonale (failure of the right side of the heart)
- Respiratory failure
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider right away if you develop a cough, shortness of breath, fever, or other signs of a lung infection, especially if you think you have the flu. Since your lungs are already damaged, it's very important to have the infection treated right away. This will prevent breathing problems from becoming severe, as well as further damage to your lungs.
Prevention
Wear a protective mask when working around coal, graphite, or man-made carbon. Follow directions to prevent high-level exposure. Companies should enforce the maximum permitted dust levels. Avoid smoking.
References
Go LHT, Cohen RA. Pneumoconioses. In: Broaddus VC, King TE, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 101.
Tarlo SM, Redlich CA. Occupational lung disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 81.
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
All rights reserved.