Coal workers' pneumoconiosis

Abstract

Pathologic features and pathogenesis of coal workers' pneumoconiosis are reviewed. Roentenographic aspects of CWP have been examined; it is concluded that there is little or no correlation with physiologic abnormalities, and no abnormality is pathognomonic of this condition. It is suggested that coal workers who are physiologically disabled by any condition, usually heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or both, be retired via an industry-government compensation plan. Chest roentgenograms should serve only to identify and retire those miners who have progressive massive fibrosis, and to identify those who have simple CWP; thus they may be moved to jobs in areas of the mine where dust concentrations are lower.