The federal program provides free respiratory testing to support the early detection of black lung disease in mining communities.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Black Lung Detection: The program offers free, confidential screenings to support early detection of black lung disease, a preventable respiratory condition caused by inhaling coal mine dust.
- Regional Accessibility: Mobile testing units will visit communities in West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana between March and May 2026.
- Diagnostic Testing Suite: The 30-minute evaluations include a respiratory questionnaire, chest X-ray, blood pressure screening, and spirometry testing for all current and former coal miners.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will begin its annual mobile healthcare screenings for coal miners this month, according to the CDC. The federal program, now in its 21st year, provides free, confidential screenings to support the early detection of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung disease, which is a serious but preventable condition caused by breathing coal mine dust.
The 2026 screenings are scheduled from March through May in communities throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. These evaluations take place in a mobile testing unit and include a work history and respiratory questionnaire, chest X-ray, blood pressure screening, and spirometry, according to the news release.
“America’s coal miners work hard and sacrifice to keep our nation running. These confidential, free screenings are an important way we can protect their health and reduce their risk of lung disease,” said John Howard, MD, NIOSH director, in a news release. “If black lung is caught early, we can help prevent serious health outcomes, which is why it is so important that we bring these services directly to the communities that need them through our state-of-the-art mobile unit.”
All coal miners, including current, former, underground, surface, and contract workers, are encouraged to participate in the program. The screenings take approximately 30 minutes and are confidential by law. Each participant will receive their results in approximately 12 weeks.
NIOSH recommends appointments, although walk-ins are welcome at the mobile units. Information regarding specific locations, dates, and times is available on the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program webpage.
