A severe incarnation of black lung disease, Progressive Massive Fibrosis
(PMF), affects nearly ten-times more Appalachian coal miners today than
it did in the 1970s. Recent data analysis from the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has revealed that the potentially
lethal effects of PMF are currently afflicting 3.2% of miners in the Central
Appalachian coalfields.
PMF is a form of coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP), which occurs when
prolonged excessive inhalation of coal mine dust causes severe scarring
of lung tissue. Large masses form inside the lungs, creating painful,
crippling, and potentially deadly consequences. The sole cause of PMF
is excessive inhalation of coal mine dust over an extended period of time,
putting career coal miners at high risk. Even surface coal miners with
little or no time working underground may be at risk
according to NIOSH. For an in-depth look at PMF in Appalachia,
read our research paper.
"Each of these cases is a tragedy and represents a failure among all
those responsible for preventing this severe disease." ---
NIOSH, September 15, 2014.
Recently, researchers from NIOSH wrote a
letter to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine expressing its concern over the resurgence of PMF black lung. Therein,
NIOSH stated that "the prevalence of PMF is the result of overexposures
and/or increased toxicity stemming from changes in dust composition."
Further, the letter stated that "[r]ecent findings suggest dust exposures
have not been adequately controlled and that a substantial portion of
U.S. coal miners continue to develop PMF." Clearly, employers and
equipment manufacturers have neglected their responsibility to monitor
exposure and toxicity levels.
Regrettably, there is currently no known cure for PMF and very few treatment
options. However, that doesn't mean there isn't anything you and
your loved ones can do.
Seek legal guidance and take action immediately!
If you have been diagnosed with Progressive Massive Fibrosis, you should
take immediate action and work toward receiving compensation for your
injuries. Excessive exposure to airborne silica in coal mine dust because
of another party's negligence may be grounds for legal action.
At Hartley Law Group, PLLC, our personal injury attorneys provide aggressive
representation and excellent legal advice for clients who have suffered
from the debilitating effects of PMF. With more than 30 years of legal
experience and a heavy focus on toxic tort claims, our legal team fights
for positive results in personal injury cases.
Call today and retain dedicated counsel from our personal injury attorneys located
in Wheeling and Charleston, West Virginia.