WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will offer free, confidential black lung screenings to coal miners beginning in July. NIOSH provides screenings through a mobile testing unit at convenient community and mine locations.

All coal miners (current, former, underground, surface, and those under contract) are encouraged to participate. The screenings support early detection of black lung disease, a serious but preventable disease in coal miners caused by breathing coal mine dust.

Participation provides coal miners with a free screening and a confidential report on their lung health.
Screenings will take approximately 30 minutes and will include:

• A work history and respiratory questionnaire
• A chest x-ray
• Blood pressure screening
• A breathing test (spirometry)

Screenings are confidential by law. Each miner will be provided their results within 8-10 weeks from their screening appointment. Appointments are recommended but walks-ins are welcome.
Screening locations, dates, and times will be posted on the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program webpage. Local and individual outreach will be done in all specific locations.

NIOSH is the federal institute that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. For more information about NIOSH visit www.cdc.gov/niosh.