What to know
The NIOSH Coal Worker's Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) offers periodic black lung screenings at no cost to coal miners in the U.S. Information about CWHSP screenings is provided on this page for coal miners, mining companies and operators, and health facilities.
Screening information
Mobile screening services
Screenings through the mobile unit are free of charge for all coal miners and include:
- Work history and respiratory health questionnaires
- Chest x-rays
- Lung function testing (spirometry)
- Blood pressure screening
NIOSH-approved facilities
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.
Notifications to miners
The CWHSP will notify miners when they are eligible to participate and where they can receive screenings. Miners are also encouraged to check this web page, their mine plans, and watch for internal notices.
Additional announcements will be made through social media including NIOSH press releases, Facebook, Twitter, and news media in most local mining regions.
Results to miners
The CWHSP shares screening results with miners only. The program will not share individual results without permission from the miner or their legal representative.
Miners with evidence of black lung are informed how to pursue their right to work in an area of a mine with reduced dust exposure through MSHA's Part 90 for Coal Miners.
If you are a miner and would like to request a copy of your screening records, email the program at CWHSP@cdc.gov.
Eligibility and requirements
Under federal regulations:
1. Miners are eligible for voluntary screenings about every 5 years during the mine's 6-month window (listed on your mine's Plan).
2. Mandatory examinations for miners or contractors new to coal mining are scheduled:
- Within 30 days of employment.
- Three years after initial examination.
Follow-up exams must be provided within 2 years if:
- The 3-year x-ray shows evidence of pneumoconiosis (black lung).
- Spirometry results indicate decreased lung function.
NOTE: Miners must be employed in coal mining for follow-up exams.
Mine operators and contractors are required to post a NIOSH-approved health examination plan. The plan should provide health surveillance to their miners every 5 years in a location visible to all miners.
Becoming an approved health facility
Coal miner health screenings must be performed by NIOSH-approved facilities. To become an approved facility, contact the CWHSP at cwhsp@cdc.gov. You will receive an approval packet that details requirements. Facilities may be approved for x-ray only, spirometry only, or both x-ray and spirometry.
Facilities applying for approval to provide x-rays should review 42 CFR Part 37 Specifications of Medical Examinations of Underground Coal Miners.