Legal Definitions - legal pneumoconiosis

Legal pneumoconiosis is a chronic lung disease and related conditions that are caused or worsened by exposure to coal dust during coal mine employment. This disease is usually not immediately apparent and may only manifest after the exposure to coal dust has ended.

Clinical pneumoconiosis is any medically recognized condition caused by coal dust exposure while working in a coal mine. It is characterized by large, permanent deposits of particulate matter in the lungs, coupled with the lung tissue's fibrotic reaction. Some examples of clinical pneumoconioses are:

• Silicosis or silicotuberculosis
• Massive pulmonary fibrosis
• Anthrosilicosis

These examples illustrate how coal dust exposure can cause permanent damage to the lungs, leading to chronic respiratory and pulmonary impairments. The fibrotic reaction in the lung tissue can make it difficult for the lungs to function properly, leading to breathing difficulties and other related conditions.