Black Lung Cases Increasing

Officials say the number of black lung cases is increasing in our region, and it is even effecting surface miners, most of whom say they have never worked underground. The Centers for Disease Control reports two percent of the surface miners tested have the disease. Officials say 46 of 2,257 surface miners had black lung with twelve having the most severe form. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is offering free black lung screenings in Eastern Kentucky in hopes of saving lives. NIOSH is providing free, confidential screenings this summer. The first was Monday in Pineville. The screening includes a work history questionnaire, a chest x-ray, and a spirometry test. Blood pressure screening is also offered. The process takes about 25 minutes. No individual information, including the names of those participating, is made public or given to coal companies.

NIOSH screenings in Eastern Kentucky:

All times are 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

June 19th and 20th, Tri-City Medical Center in Cumberland
June 21st, Walmart in Harlan
June 22nd, Senior Center at the Old Beech Fork Elementary School in Helton
June 25th, Whitaker Athletic Center in Jeff/Viper
June 26th and 27th, Grady Nutt Athletic Center at Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes
June 28th and 29th, Walmart in Hazard

July 9th, McCoy Elkhorn Mine Number 15 in Meta
July 10th, 11th, and 12th, Pikeville Mine Rescue Contest at the Bob Amos Park in Pikeville
July 13th, Sidney HR Office for Alpha in Sidney
July 16th, Walmart in Pikeville
July 17th, Walmart in Prestonsburg
July 18th, Redhawk Mining Office in Printer
July 19th and 20th, Roy F. Collier Community Center in Inez

Miners can call 1-888-480-4042 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted.