Coal Mine Dust Lung Diseases (CMDLD)

Are you at risk of developing a dust-related lung disease?

Your risk is directly linked to your total level of exposure to dust. Thanks to our rigorous system of regulation and compliance in NSW, your risk of developing a dust disease is low.

Your risk is directly linked to your total level of exposure to dust. Thanks to our rigorous system of regulation and compliance in NSW, your risk of developing a dust disease is low.

Coal mining produces coal dust and dusts from other minerals, including silica. Repeated exposure to coal mine dust can put coal mine workers at risk of developing coal mine dust lung diseases (CMDLD).

The main types of CMDLD include:

• Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), otherwise known as black lung disease, caused by inhalation and build-up of coal dust
• Silicosis, from inhalation and build-up of respirable crystalline silica or quartz from drilling or cutting stone
• Mixed dust disease
• Dust-related diffuse fibrosis
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

If you are exposed to coal mine dust and you smoke or vape, your risk of developing a CMDLD is even higher.
Smoking and vaping can also directly cause some lung diseases including COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Order 43 health assessments monitor lung health and screen for the presence of any lung disease.

What can you do to protect your lungs?

• Be aware of potential dust sources in your workplace
• Minimise your exposure to airborne dust by:
  • avoiding operating downwind of dust sources if possible
  • using water sprays and appropriate cleaning techniques
  • reporting any hazards you see
  • wearing appropriately-fitted respiratory PPE (facial hair can interfere with the respirator seal and decreases effectiveness)
• Quitting smoking or vaping
• Attend your periodic health assessment and ILO chest x-ray every three years
• Speak with your GP or a CS Health doctor for more advice

More information:

Hearing and PPE fit tests
Healthy Lifestyle Programs
Smoking and vaping
Protecting against airborne dust exposure in mines booklet
Coal Mine Dust Lung Diseases explained (video)