Black lung cases surging again in Southwest Va., Appalachia; miners blame blocked regulations

By: Charlotte Rene Woods

Outlets: Virginia Mercury

Published: August 17, 2026

Words: 1,093

Last Updated: 1 day, 12 hours ago

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With new research showing that black lung disease among Appalachian coal miners has reached an almost 50-year high, advocates are demanding federal regulations be enforced.

The data published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine is also part of a peer-reviewed research letter from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Congress previously passed regulations meant to limit miners’ exposure to coal dust, which causes the incurable lung …

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