Silicosis is an incurable and often disabling lung disease caused by silica dust.
At mine sites, silica is generated during the drilling and crushing of rock and loading of mined material. PMF can lead to reduced lung function and premature death. Silicosis has long been recognized as a serious health hazard in the mining industry and has been regulated by the federal government since passage of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. This requirement was based on the recognition that the toxicity of coal mine dust increases when higher levels of quartz are found. The agency will be distributing both a video and a dust control problem guide to further educate the mining community about proper use of dust controls at mines.