What is the black lung disease all about, in virginia?

Coal mines: This is common name for coal miners pneumonconiosis. This is a progressive fibrosis of the lung caused by the chronic irritation of coal dust.

See below: It is a disease of the lungs caused by chronic exposure to coal dust. It can cause both obstructive and restrictive lung disease. Typically, fibrosis is the main issue and unfortunately isn't helped very much by medications.

Black Lung Disease=: Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis. This is a progressive inflammatory/fibrotic lung disease due to prolonged exposure to coal dust. The lungs turn black in color due to the dust, hence the name.