BLACK LUNG DISEASE REACHING HIGHEST RATE IN VETERAN COAL MINERS IN NEARLY 50 YEARS

Black lung disease is reaching its highest rate among veteran Appalachian coal miners in nearly 50 years. New federal research found 91 of 280 veteran underground miners screened in the past five years tested positive for black lung. Researchers say increased exposure to silica dust is a major factor, with the disease rate now more than four times higher than it was in 1999.