National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health expert Michael Attfield, who heads up the respiratory disease branch in Morgantown, said for more than 30 years the umbrella of black lung – which includes pneumoconiosis and a severe form known as PMF – had been seen in reducing numbers among coal workers in the region. However, that trend is now reversing and incidence levels are beginning to rise.

In fact, according to his research, the NIOSH branch is observing as much as six times more pneumoconiosis, and upwards of 15 times more cases of the disease in its most severe form. These PMF cases have also been seen more in younger workers between 30 and 35.

“This should not be happening,” he said as he spoke to the industry crowd at the Charleston Civic Center.

The problem, however, is pinpointing the reasons for the change. Attfield offered NIOSH’s thoughts on possible causes, including longer hours, greater production levels, increased exposure to dust, and inadequate compliance with both coal and silica regulations.

MSHA District 4 manager Bob Hardman, who heads up the federal field office that includes some of the most prevalent areas for the issue, feels that the issue of silica exposure underground has been around for some time and is a result of extracting from thinner seams.

Low-seam mines are not uncommon in southern Appalachia, and crews are often forced to cut rock in order to pull all coal from the seam.

Attfield noted there were some possible solutions to the problem, beginning with a modification of compliance methods and changes to practice – such as taking special care when cutting rock.

More state assistance and attention to the data the group has collected, and potentially adopting NIOSH’s existing exposure limits, could also play a role in minimising the issue, he said.