Dramatic Rise In Black Lung Disease In Queensland

Black lung most often stems from working in the coal industry or in the manufacturing of graphite or man-made carbon products and has no known cure. The risk of getting black lung depends on how much time has been spent around coal dust. There are two types of black lung: simple and complicated. The symptoms associated with simple black lung are few and is known as coal workers pneumoconiosis. It has a good prognosis but it can progress into the more complicated progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), the symptoms of which may include a long term cough and shortness of breath. The Queensland Government has blamed systemic failures and wide-spread complacency for the re-emergence of black lung disease. A six-month study conducted by Professor Malcolm Sim from Monash University into Queensland's Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme found it highlights massive system failure and incompetence by inadequately trained radiographers that allowed sick miners to slip through the net. It failed to protected Queensland's 5500 coal miners.

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Anthony Lynham has also announced 18 more suspected cases after X-rays were reviewed by health experts in the US. The revelation of new cases on top of the 11 already diagnosed. Until Australian radiologists skills were bought up to US standards, new chest X-rays would be sent overseas. Around 20 of the 40 radiologists now being trained to US standards would be able to read chest X-rays for black lung disease after examinations in October. ”That is very concerning for us absolutely, very concerning,” Dr Lynham said. Lowering the ‘safe allowable dust level’ at Queensland mines, which operate at ‘the national standard’ but at higher levels than in New South Wales mines, was now being considered by Safe Work Australia, Dr Lynham mentioned.

Queensland Resources Council CEO Michael Roche said one case of black lung was one too many. Mr. Roche said what was more important that coal miners use protective equipment against dust.

All underground coal mines are offering their workers new checks on current X-rays or fresh X-rays if it was taken more than two years ago. The best treatment is to get an early diagnosis and make it manageable. Health costs for mine workers would be met through existing workers compensation schemes.

Dr Lynham also announced a three-pronged plan to prevent new cases; identify existing cases early and provide a safety net for workers with the disease. Dr Lynham said he would also continue to lobby the Federal Government to establish a national screening program that includes retired coal miners.

Source-Medindia