# Black lung rates in Appalachia hit highest in 50 years amid stalled miner protections

Black lung disease rates among Appalachian coal miners have reached their highest level in nearly half a century. The surge comes as safety and health protections for miners remain stalled, raising concerns about the resurgence of a preventable occupational illness. This trend highlights ongoing failures in regulating dust exposure in the mining industry.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### Health
- [NPR Health](https://www.npr.org/2026/08/05/nx-s1-5894884/appalachia-black-lung-coal-miners-silica-dust) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:01:00 -0400

### Business
- [Fox News Business](https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/mortgage-rates-8-6-2026) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:09:21 GMT