Progressive Massive Fibrosis Resurgence Identified in U.S. Coal Miners Filing for Black Lung Benefits, 1970–2016

What is it about?

Surveillance data from active coal miners and reports from individual clinics indicate that the U.S. is experiencing a resurgence in progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). For the first time, we analysed the trend in PMF among former coal miners filing claims for federal benefits. We found that the number of PMF cases and the percentage of all claimants with PMF have significantly increased in recent decades, particularly in the Central Appalachian states of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Featured Image