COPH Alumnus Interviewed by NPR on Black Lung
Dr. David Blackley, alumnus of the ETSU College of Public Health and epidemiologist for the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), was recently interviewed by National Public Radio (NPR) on the resurgence of black lung in Appalachia.
Robin Young, of the NPR show, Here & Now, spoke with Dr. Blackley about his work with coal miners in Appalachia and the publication of his paper identifying an increase in the prevalence of severe black lung disease. Interview highlights and a recording of the show are available at this link.
The prevalence of severe black lung has risen to levels not seen since the 1970s despite the enactment of coal dust safety laws and apparent near eradication of the disease in the 1990s. Dr. Blackley explained, “…it’s making a comeback because miners are breathing in too much coal mine dust. We’re seeing new black lung cases in coal fields around the United States, but by far the biggest resurgence has been here in central Appalachia, so Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia.”
Dr. Blackley also mentioned an increase in black lung with characteristics of silicosis. Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a mineral that is part of sand, rock, and mineral ores. In Appalachia, many of the larger coal seams have been thoroughly mined and coal operators cut through rock to mine coal that remains. He continued, “Rock can contain high levels of silica, and we all know that silica is incredibly toxic when inhaled, and mixtures of coal dust and silica dust are probably playing an important role in some of the trends that we’ve seen recently.”
Dr. David Blackley received a Doctor of Public Health degree from East Tennessee State University in May 2013. He then began a two-year postdoctoral fellowship with the Epidemic Intelligence Service of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. He now serves as a research epidemiologist in the Surveillance Branch, Respiratory Health Division of NIOSH.