This week, new regulations halving allowable silica dust levels in mines begin as the mining industry files lawsuits to stop the changes.
Justin Hicks reports for Kentucky Public Radio, and Howard Berkes reports for Public Health Watch.
In short:
- Mining companies must reduce workers' silica dust exposure from 100 micrograms to 50 micrograms over an 8-hour shift.
- New rules require X-rays of workers' lungs in metal and nonmetal industries, with data stored by NIOSH.
- Legal challenges argue the new rule was improperly introduced, lacking industry input.
Key quote:
“You want to know what it’s like to have black lung? Grab your pillow off your bed, go outside, and get your push mower going in your yard.”
— John Robinson, former miner
Why this matters:
Silica dust, a fine particulate that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, poses serious health risks, including silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. These new regulations aim to protect miners from these hazards, but the industry argues that the changes could lead to increased costs and job losses.
