The Daily Yonder reminds us that "the first federal law to eradicate black lung was passed nearly 40 years ago. But a doctor who treats the disease says he sees black lung now in younger and younger miners."  Every year about 1,000 coal miners die as a result of from black lung, a totally preventable disease.

Two years ago the Associated Press reported:

Federal researchers believe coal miners in some Appalachian counties are getting black lung at a younger age and higher rate than other mining regions, despite the government's measures to control coal dust levels and eliminate the disease.

... NIOSH [National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health] recently identified 22 counties as "hot spots" for rapidly progressive black lung in four Appalachian states -- Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. A handful of hotspots in Alabama and Colorado were also noted.

In these counties, some miners in their 30s, 40s and early 50s are experiencing rapidly progressive black lung -- about 10 to 30 years sooner than cases observed in the past. Also, Appalachian miners at smaller operations (fewer than 50 employees) are more likely to develop advanced black lung.

While the disease nationwide is in decline, why is it even still occurring?  Why are workers in some areas or for some coal companies provided less protection that in others?  On the Daily Yonder blog, Beth Dotson-Lewis issues a challenge for the next president: "Will You Be the One to End Black Lung?" Read her post here.

Learn more about Black Lung and how miners can help protect themselves from the Appalachian Citizens Law Center.