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 participation
Participation is free to you. Screenings include:
- Chest x-ray
- Spirometry (breathing test)
- Blood pressure screening
- Work history
- Health questionnaire
Your screening results provide you with information about your health and allow you to make informed decisions throughout your coal mining career.
NIOSH mobile screenings
NIOSH travels to coal mining regions across the U.S. and offers screenings through a mobile health unit. NIOSH will notify you when you are eligible to participate and where you can receive screenings.
Coal 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.
NIOSH-approved facility screenings
Black lung screenings are provided at NIOSH-approved facilities located in mining regions across the U.S. They include radiograph and spirometry clinics and mobile health units. Information about facilities can be found at NIOSH Approved Facility Search and Map. You must go to a NIOSH-approved facility listed in your mine's plan. NIOSH-approved facility screenings are also free if you're a coal miner.
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.
Screening results
Results are mailed directly to you within 12 weeks after your screening. Your results are private. They are mailed only to you. With your permission, NIOSH can also send them to your doctor.
Employers do not receive your results. They are only notified if you choose to transfer to a lower-dust job. For more information on qualifying and exercising your rights to transfer to a lower-dust job, visit MSHA's Part 90 for Coal Miners webpage at: https://www.msha.gov/part-90-coal-miners.
Eligibility and requirements
Who can be screened
Coal miners and contractors working in coal mines can get voluntary screenings about every 5 years during their mine's scheduled 6-month window.
New coal miners and contractors
Required exams are offered within 30 days of starting work and again after 3 years. If lung disease is found, you are required to participate in a follow-up exam within the next 2 years.
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.
Communication materials
- Black Lung Screenings – Fact Sheet (Spanish)
- Black Lung Screenings for Coal Miners (Infographic)
- Faces of Black Lung I (Video)
- Faces of Black Lung II (Video)
- NIOSH Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program – Fact Sheet (Spanish)
- Why Black Lung Screenings are Important for Coal Miners – Infographic (Spanish)