The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will begin its annual mobile health screenings for coal miners this 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 breathing coal mine dust.
The screenings are scheduled to take place from March through May in communities across West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The mobile testing unit will visit convenient locations where all coal miners—including current and former workers from both underground and surface mines as well as contractors—are encouraged to participate. Screenings include a work history and respiratory questionnaire, chest X-ray, blood pressure check, and a breathing test known as spirometry.
John Howard, M.D., Director of CDC's NIOSH, said: "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. 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 1-888-480-4042 or email cwhsp@cdc.gov—walk-ins are also welcome.
Information on specific screening locations, dates, and times can be found on the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program webpage as well as on Facebook and X/Twitter. Additional details about the program are available online.
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.
