The rate of black lung cases among coal miners in Central Appalachia is the highest it's been since the late 70s

Data shows 5-year moving average percentage of cases among workers with over 25 years of mining tenure

Guardian graphicSource: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Note: data reflects prevalence of pneumoconios among those participating in the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program. Central Appalachia includes Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.