MSHA Frequently Asked Questions

Part 90 is aimed at protecting coal miners who have been diagnosed with the development of pneumoconiosis. A miner who qualifies and exercises their Part 90 rights has the right to work in a low dust environment, without having their pay reduced. There are also protections against discrimination, including termination.

Black lung screening can:

1. Identify lung problems in coal miners early and help to prevent severe disease.
2. Help determine the risks for lung disease in coal miners.
3. Enable health professionals to monitor rates of lung disease in coal miners.

During extraction, transport, and processing of coal in underground and surface mining operations, coal miners can be exposed to significant amounts of respirable coal mine dust in the air. Inhaling particles of coal mine dust into the lung causes several types of lung disease. These can be severe enough to cause breathing impairment, disability, and death. 

Black lung screenings are provided at NIOSH-approved facilities located in mining regions across the U.S. Information about facilities can be found at NIOSH Approved Facility Search and Map.