Mining remains the backbone of many states' economies. However, mining for coal can be a dangerous occupation. Coal is brittle, and the process of mining it can create large amounts of coal dust. Coal dust poses a serious explosion risk, and inhalation of dust can cause black lung disease.
Coal's usefulness as a fuel comes at a cost: because it burns so readily, coal dust suspended in the air can explode if it is ignited. Lumps of coal burn with a steady flame, but breaking coal into smaller and smaller pieces lets it burn more quickly. Since explosions are just fires that happen extremely quickly, pulverizing coal into a dust can turn a column of air into a bomb.
Most of the deadliest mining disasters in history were caused by coal dust explosions, including many mine collapses. Beyond the immediate effects of the blast, explosions can damage supports and safety equipment, making mine collapses much more likely and even limiting mine workers' ability to escape. Explosions can also ignite mine fires that can burn out of control for years.
Even if the dust does not catch fire, it can still cause harm to miners. Inhalation of coal dust can lead to a disease colloquially known as "black lung," which doctors call miners' pneumoconiosis. Microscopic particles of carbon can become permanently stuck if they enter the lungs. Over the years, accumulated dust can limit a worker's ability to breathe and can eventually cause death.
Given the day-to-day risks of coal mining, mining companies have an obligation to ensure that their employees are kept safe. Coal mine explosions and coal pneumoconiosis are preventable if the right safety equipment, proper procedures, and adequate training are provided. Hard-working coal miners should not have to suffer because of their employers' failure to ensure their safety.
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