A new form of the deadly disease named pneumoconiosis or black lung disease has become more prevalent especially among coal miners in the US, with mining experience of more than ten years.

The lead researcher, Kirstin Almberg, reported that more than 4,600 coal miners were diagnosed with black lung, where half of them were recorded since 2000.

Almberg, an assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois in Chicago stated, "We were, however, surprised by the magnitude of the problem and are astounded by the fact that this disease appears to be resurging despite modern dust control regulations; this is history going in the wrong direction."

Almberg found that the affected miners worked in smaller mines and where less attention is paid to the investment of dust reduction systems. These mines produce more crystalline silica than coal dust, which damages the lungs. Due to the fact that they work long hours, they aren’t always able to get space to clear away the inhaled dust.

In black lung disease, lungs become black in color. The symptoms might remain unnoticed at first. Later, nodule formation, emphysema and fibrosis, might lead to shortness of breath followed by premature death.

New regulations should be strictly implemented in order to reduce dust exposure in coal mines. Apart from that, mine operators and workers should be well aware of the potentially dangerous effects of coal dust.