We know how to prevent black lung, so why are workers still dying?
Despite known prevention methods, black lung disease is resurging among younger coal miners and countertop fabrication workers. The report highlights how industry resistance to safety regulations and regulatory failures are contributing to this public health crisis.
Why it matters
Exposes the human cost of regulatory rollbacks and the ongoing struggle for workplace safety in industrial sectors.
Retired coal miner Emory ‘Curly’ Carter, holds his miner's cap on 15 April 2025 in Madison, West Virginia. Carter was diagnosed with black lung disease in 2009 and retired from mining in 2012. Retired coal miner Emory ‘Curly’ Carter, holds his miner's cap on 15 April 2025 in Madison, West Virginia. Carter was diagnosed with black lung disease in 2009 and retired from mining in 2012. Democracy, climate and justice US news We know how to prevent black lung, so why are workers still dying? Silicosis sufferers are getting younger as Trump and the coal mining industry push back on protections
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