In other WVU research, instrumentation is being developed to identify and quantify diesel soot as one of the components of respirable mine dust. Electric-powered equipment also had limited mobility and could only move so far from its power source. But, diesel power produces diesel exhaust emissions, which compound the respirable dust problem. The emissions control system uses manifold catalization, dry cooling of the exhaust gases, and a disposable paper filter to reduce both gaseous and particulate emissions. If the system shows a significant reduction in the dust and particle matter generated by the equipment, it may provide coal workers with an effective means of controlling the deadly respirable soot particles.
Lungs become extremely damaged by mineral dust over time.
It can take 10 to 30 years for the full effect of black lung to be manifested. Examining the reactions occurring in the lungs and being capable of singling out the cause of the disease could provide a means for controlling miners' environments and exposure. WVU studies to determine this fundamental mechanism have resulted in the identification of several enzymatic and chemical signal pathways. However, the overall reaction pathway has been found to be extremely complex. Likewise, research is on-going to identify ways to assist the afflicted miners in an attempt to extend their lives or to identify lung problems in the early stages of disease.