About the Study
In 2022, the Chief Evaluation Office (CEO) partnered with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and commissioned contractor Summit Consulting, LLC (Summit) to conduct the Black Lung Incidence Study under the Administrative Data Research and Analysis portfolio of studies. This study uses secondary data to examine the rate of black lung disease across the United States, how black lung incidence compares between populations of interest (Appalachia and the Navajo Nation) and coal mining or non-coal mining communities, and how residential coal burning correlates with black lung incidence.
This Department of Labor-funded study was a result of the learning agenda process. It contributes to the labor evidence-base to inform data, methods, and tools and worker protection, labor standards, and workplace-related benefits programs and policies and addresses Departmental strategic goals and priorities.
- What is the rate of black lung disease across the United States?
- What is the total number and rate per 1,000 residents of black lung cases?
- What is the total number and rate per 1,000 residents of black lung deaths?
- How does black lung incidence compare between current, former, and non-coal mining communities?
- Are black lung cases and deaths more prevalent in the Navajo Nation or Appalachia than other parts of the United States?
- How does residential coal burning correlate with black lung cases and deaths?
- Black Lung Incidence Study Navajo Nation Research Brief (Research Brief, January 2024)
- Black Lung Incidence Literature Review (Literature Review, December 2023)
- Black Lung Incidence Study Final Report (Final Report, December 2023)
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Chief Evaluation Office (CEO) sponsors independent evaluations and research, primarily conducted by external, third-party contractors in accordance with the Department of Labor Evaluation Policy and CEO’s research development process.