NIOSH Offering Free Black Lung Testing for Area Coal Miners

BRUCEVILLE, Ind. (We Are Knox County) — The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is offering free black lung screenings for local coal miners.

The screening will take place Thursday, May 14, from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sunrise Coal Mine One, Portal 2, located at 8788 N. Perry Road in Bruceville.

According to NIOSH, the screenings are open to all coal miners, including former miners, underground miners, surface miners, and contract miners.

A spokesperson for NIOSH told WAKC News Now that miners attending the screening should bring a list of current medications, previous jobs they’ve worked, and the mines where they’ve worked.

Organizers say the screenings, which take about 30 minutes, include a chest X-ray, blood pressure screening, and a breathing test known as spirometry.

Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Those interested in participating are asked to call 1-888-480-4042 or email cwhsp@cdc.gov to schedule an appointment.