MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Coal miners in West Virginia will have access to free and confidential black lung screenings this summer, thanks to a mobile health initiative led by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
The program, running through July and August 2025, is part of a broader effort to support early detection of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis—commonly known as black lung disease—a serious and preventable condition caused by prolonged exposure to coal mine dust.
Screenings will be available at several locations in the region, including stops in Morgantown and Mannington.
The mobile unit will visit the NMRA Post 5 Mine Rescue Contest at Mylan Park in Morgantown from Tuesday to Thursday, July 29–31, and the Price Cutter in Mannington on Tuesday, August 5.
“This effort supports early detection of black lung disease, which remains a significant concern in the mining industry,” NIOSH stated. “We encourage all eligible miners to take advantage of this opportunity.”
The program is open to all coal miners—current, former, underground, surface, and contract workers. Each participant will receive a private lung health report at no cost.
Screenings are confidential and protected under federal law.
Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted. Each screening takes about 30 minutes and includes a respiratory history, chest x-ray, breathing test, and blood pressure check.
Results are typically mailed within 8 to 10 weeks.
In addition to the West Virginia stops, screenings will also take place in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
