Any lung disease that arises from inhaling coal dust is called black lung disease. The human lungs are usually colored pink; however, in patients suffering from black lung disease, the lungs look black, hence the name. It is a type of pneumoconiosis called coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP).
Black lung disease can be attributed to the exposure, inhalation, and accumulation of coal dust. This originates mainly from working in a coal mine and other coal-related jobs. As long as there is exposure to coal you are at an increased risk of having black lung disease. Black lung disease may appear and get worse during your exposure or after your exposure has ceased.
The amount of dust in the air, and the duration of your exposure are factors which determine the severity of your it.