The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will begin its annual mobile health screenings for coal miners in March, according to a Mar. 11 announcement. The federal program, now in its 21st year, offers free and confidential screenings aimed at early detection of black lung disease, which is caused by exposure to coal mine dust.
The screenings are scheduled from March through May and will be available in communities across West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Coal miners—including current and former workers from both underground and surface mines as well as contract workers—are encouraged to participate. The mobile testing unit provides services such as a work history review, respiratory questionnaire, chest X-ray, blood pressure screening, and spirometry (breathing test).
“America’s coal miners work hard and sacrifice to keep our nation running. These confidential, free screenings are an important way we can protect their health and reduce their risk of lung disease,” said CDC’s NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. “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.”
Each screening takes about 30 minutes and results are provided within approximately 12 weeks. While appointments are recommended for those interested in participating—who may call or email to schedule—a walk-in option is also available. Details on locations and times can be found on the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program webpage as well as on Facebook and X/Twitter.
NIOSH conducts research and makes recommendations to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses nationwide. More information about NIOSH can be found at www.cdc.gov/niosh.
