Black lung disease, medically known as Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a serious occupational health concern worldwide yet it is not given the recognition it demands. CWP is caused by prolonged exposure to coal dust, which leads to lung inflammation, fibrosis, and irreversible damage. Despite being preventable, the disease continues to affect thousands of people, particularly coal miners.
A 2018 study revealed over 4,000 cases of the most severe form of black lung disease in coal miners, with over half of those diagnosed since the year 2000. Miners are particularly susceptible as they experience long-term exposure to dust and frequently deal with respiratory conditions, permanent disabilities, and in many cases, even death.
The situation is equally concerning in Pakistan. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), over 1,000 coal miners in the country are diagnosed with the black lung disease annually. The Shangla district alone reported more than 4,900 cases as of 2018. A separate study conducted in Cherat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, found that 52% of coal miners suffered from serious respiratory issues, while 75% showed abnormal chest X-rays, indicating long-term lung damage.
The high prevalence of the disease highlights glaring systemic issues with regards to worker protection and health surveillance in our country. A large population of miners lack access to basic healthcare, and preventative safety standards are often poorly enforced.
Government-led intervention is of the utmost necessity with increased investment in medical research, improved healthcare infrastructure for miners, and strict enforcement of dust exposure limits. Awareness is also vital to ensure protection of miners as well as acknowledge the work that they do in order to uplift them.
Nida Azeem
Pidrak, Turbat
