Coal workers' pneumoconiosis and the compensation dilemma

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · JOM, J. Occup. Med.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00043764-198106000-00015· OSTI ID:5307103

Whitaker, P J

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis is a preventable occupational disorder of the respiratory system resulting from exposure to and retention of respirable coal dust. It exists in two distinguishable forms: simple, which is seldom if ever disabling, and complicated, also known as progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), which is sometimes totally disabling and is associated with a high mortality rate. The disease affects a small proportion of active U.S. miners, and only a very small number develop PMF. In its more advanced stages, the disorder is characterized by shortness of breath. Scientific criteria for diagnosis are well established but are not followed in the U.S. because of Federal law and regulation. However, an acceptable scheme for classification of chest radiographs exists. Black lung benefits payable to miners, their survivors and dependents are approaching /2 billion annually, and regulations concerning eligibility for such benefits are intentionally slanted to make it possible for claimants to receive benefits in a manner not consistent with regulations governing similar payments to other occupationally employed persons or in accordance with established medical criteria.

• OSTI ID: 5307103
• Journal Information: JOM, J. Occup. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: JOM, J. Occup. Med.; (United States) Vol. 23:6; ISSN JJOMD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

551000 -- Physiological Systems
552000* -- Public Health
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
BODY
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL MINERS
DIAGNOSIS
DISEASES
DUSTS
ENERGY SOURCES
EPIDEMIOLOGY
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LUNGS
MATERIALS
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
MINERS
MORTALITY
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
ORGANS
PERSONNEL
PNEUMOCONIOSES
REGULATIONS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SAFETY
SURVEILLANCE
WORKMENS COMPENSATION