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 inhaling coal mine dust.
The screenings are scheduled to take place from March through May across communities in West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The mobile testing unit will provide services at convenient locations and include a work history and respiratory questionnaire, chest X-ray, blood pressure screening, and breathing test. All coal miners—current or former; underground or surface; including those under contract—are encouraged to participate.
“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. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted. Interested individuals can call 1-888-480-4042 or email cwhsp@cdc.gov to schedule an appointment.
Screening locations and times are available on the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program webpage as well as on Facebook and X/Twitter. More information about the program can be found online.
NIOSH conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries and illnesses nationwide.
