NIOSH black lung mobile unit back on the road

The NIOSH Mobile Black Lung Screening Unit is back on the road, following a federal judge’s May injunction that restored the vital program after earlier budget-related cuts. Miners diagnosed may qualify for protections under Part 90, helping them avoid further exposure without losing pay.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mobile Black Lung Screening Unit is back on the road after federal job cuts briefly halted the program earlier this year. A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction in May, restoring operations and staff.

The unit will be in Morgantown July 29 through 31, in Mannington on August 5, and in Grantsville, Maryland, on August 27. Additional stops in West Virginia and Ohio are planned for September.

The screenings are free, take about 30 minutes, and are confidential. Miners are encouraged to bring their work history, medication list, and minor identification form if available.

Officials say the screenings are essential as black lung disease continues to rise in Appalachia. Miners diagnosed through the program may qualify for Part 90, allowing them to transfer to less dusty jobs without losing pay.

More information is available here.

PHOTO | CDC