
Deep in Trump country, coal miners with black lung say government is suffocating the ‘working man’
Lisa Emery, a respiratory therapist, is deeply concerned about West Virginia coal miners suffering from black lung disease. She sees miners as young as 45 needing double lung transplants due in part to increased silica dust exposure. A rule that would cut exposure to the toxic substance was approved last year but is now in jeopardy. Retired miners are demanding action from President Trump, who promised to put more workers underground. The silica rule faces opposition from industry groups citing costs. Meanwhile, miners continue to suffer, with some feeling forgotten and struggling with severe health issues.