CDC’s NIOSH Offers Free Black Lung Health Screenings to Coal Miners in Six States
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is launching its annual mobile health screenings for coal miners this month, providing a vital service for early detection of black lung disease. This year marks the 21st year of the program, which offers free, confidential screenings to support the health of those who have worked in the coal mining industry. Black lung disease, similarly known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, is a serious but preventable condition caused by long-term exposure to respirable coal mine dust. The screenings are a crucial step in safeguarding the well-being of current and former miners, offering a proactive approach to managing a potentially debilitating illness.
From March through May, NIOSH’s mobile screening units will be deployed across communities in West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. These screenings are available to all coal miners – those currently employed, former miners, individuals working underground or on the surface, and even those working under contract. The comprehensive screenings include a detailed function history questionnaire, a respiratory health assessment, a chest X-ray, blood pressure screening, and spirometry – a breathing test that measures lung function. The program underscores the commitment to protecting the health of a workforce that plays a critical role in the nation’s energy infrastructure.
“America’s coal miners work hard and sacrifice to keep our nation running,” stated NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. “These confidential, free screenings are an important way we can protect their health and reduce their risk of lung disease.” Dr. Howard emphasized the importance of early detection, explaining that “If black lung is caught early, we can help prevent serious health outcomes, which is why it is so important that we bring these services directly to the communities that need them through our state-of-the-art mobile unit.” The screenings are designed to be accessible and convenient, bringing essential healthcare services directly to the miners themselves.
The screenings themselves are relatively quick, taking approximately 30 minutes to complete, and are legally confidential. Participants will receive their individual results within approximately 12 weeks. While appointments are encouraged to streamline the process, walk-ins are also welcome. Miners interested in participating can schedule an appointment by calling 1-888-480-4042 or emailing [email protected]. This accessibility is a key component of the program’s success, ensuring that as many miners as possible have the opportunity to benefit from these vital health checks.
Understanding Black Lung Disease and the Importance of Screening
Black lung disease, or coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, develops from the inhalation of respirable coal dust. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this dust contains fine particles that become lodged in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring over time. NIOSH research has consistently demonstrated a link between dust exposure and the development of this debilitating condition. Symptoms can include coughing and shortness of breath, and while there is currently no cure for black lung, early detection and control of dust exposure can significantly sluggish its progression. The disease was the underlying or contributing cause of death for 75,178 miners between 1970 and 2016, highlighting the long-term health consequences of coal dust exposure.
The NIOSH Coal Worker’s Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) plays a critical role in addressing this public health concern. Established to monitor the health of coal miners and provide early detection of black lung, the CWHSP offers periodic screenings at no cost to eligible miners. These screenings are not only vital for individual health but also contribute to a broader understanding of the prevalence and progression of black lung disease within the mining community. The program’s data informs ongoing research and helps to refine strategies for preventing and mitigating the effects of this occupational hazard.
2026 Screening Schedule and Locations
NIOSH has released a detailed schedule of screening locations and dates for the coming months. The mobile screening unit will be making stops in several communities across the six target states. Here’s a breakdown of the initial schedule:
- Summersville, WV (Hampton Inn): Tuesday, March 17, 9am – 4pm
- Oak Hill, WV (New River Health Assoc, Black Lung Clinic): Wednesday, March 18 & Thursday, March 19, 9am – 5pm (March 18) & 8am – 4pm (March 19)
- Beckley, WV (West Virginia Women’s Expo, Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center): Friday, March 20 & Saturday, March 21, 10am – 5pm
- Vansant, VA (Stone Mountain Health Services): Tuesday, April 7, 8am – 3pm
- Sumiton, AL (Bevill State Community College): Thursday, April… (date incomplete in source)
Additional screening dates and locations will be announced through the CWHSP webpage, available here, as well as on NIOSH’s social media channels, including Facebook (@niosh) and X/Twitter (@NIOSH). Miners are encouraged to regularly check these resources for updates and to find a screening location convenient to their location.
What to Expect During a Black Lung Screening
The CWHSP screenings are designed to be comprehensive and non-invasive. Participants can expect the following components:
- Work History and Respiratory Health Questionnaire: A detailed review of the miner’s employment history and any respiratory symptoms they may be experiencing.
- Chest X-ray: An imaging test used to detect any abnormalities in the lungs that may indicate the presence of black lung disease.
- Lung Function Testing (Spirometry): A breathing test that measures how much air a person can inhale and exhale, and how quickly they can do so.
- Blood Pressure Screening: A routine check of blood pressure to assess overall cardiovascular health.
The entire screening process typically takes around 30 minutes. All information collected during the screening is confidential, protected by law, and used solely for the purpose of assessing the miner’s respiratory health. The results will be mailed to the miner approximately 12 weeks after the screening is completed.
NIOSH’s Ongoing Commitment to Miner Health
The CWHSP is just one component of NIOSH’s broader efforts to protect the health and safety of coal miners. NIOSH conducts ongoing research into the causes and prevention of black lung disease, develops engineering controls to reduce dust exposure in mines, and provides training and education to miners and mine operators. The “Faces of Black Lung II” video, released in 2020, provides powerful testimonials from miners affected by the disease, highlighting the human cost of coal dust exposure and the importance of preventative measures. This video, and the program as a whole, demonstrates NIOSH’s dedication to addressing this critical public health issue.
The agency’s commitment extends beyond research and screening to include advocacy for policies that protect miners’ health. NIOSH actively collaborates with industry stakeholders, labor unions, and government agencies to promote best practices in mine safety and health. By working together, these groups can create a safer and healthier working environment for all coal miners.
The next confirmed checkpoint for updates on the CWHSP is the ongoing publication of screening schedules and results on the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program webpage. Miners are encouraged to regularly check this resource for the latest information. If you or someone you know is a coal miner, please consider taking advantage of these free, confidential screenings. Your health is worth it. Share this information with your colleagues and help spread awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention of black lung disease.