What causes coal workers pneumoconiosis?
The inhalation and accumulation of coal dust causes coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP). This stems from working in a coal mine, coal trimming (loading and stowing coal for storage), mining or milling graphite, and manufacturing carbon electrodes (used in certain types of large furnaces) and carbon black (a compound used in many items, such as tires and other rubber goods). Because CWP is a reaction to accumulated dust in the lungs, it may appear and get worse during your exposure to the dust or after your exposure has ceased. The severity of CWP depends on the type of coal mine and the dust conditions in the work environment. Is CWP the same thing as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? No. Although CWP may share many of the symptoms of emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis (which are also known as COPD), CWP is not COPD and is not treated like COPD. What is the course of CWP? CWP starts with the inhalation and accumulation of coal dust in the lungs. For many, there are no sympt
