black lung
Definition
Noun: A serious and incurable occupational lung disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust. The dust accumulates in the lungs, causing scarring (fibrosis) and impairing the ability to breathe.
Usage
"Black lung" is used specifically to refer to the disease affecting coal miners. It is a medical and occupational health term, often used in formal reports, news articles about mining safety, and discussions of workers' rights.
Examples
- Noun:
- After 30 years in the mines, he was diagnosed with black lung.
- New safety regulations aim to reduce the number of black lung cases.
- The documentary highlighted the devastating impact of black lung on mining communities.
Advanced Usage
- "black lung disease": A more formal, descriptive synonym.
- The study focused on the progression of black lung disease.
- "complicated black lung": Refers to a severe, progressive form of the disease.
- The rise in cases of complicated black lung has alarmed health officials.
Variants and Related Words
- Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP): The formal medical term for black lung.
- Pneumoconiosis: The general category of lung diseases caused by inhaling mineral dust, of which black lung is a specific type.
- Silicosis: A similar lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, often associated with mining and quarrying.
Synonyms
- Coal miners' pneumoconiosis
- Anthracosis (This term can refer specifically to the lung discoloration caused by coal dust.)
Related Phrases
- Black lung benefits: Refers to compensation or healthcare benefits for miners diagnosed with the disease.
- He fought for his black lung benefits for years.
Noun
-
lung disease caused by inhaling coal dust
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