Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (Anthracosis; Black Lung Disease; Coal Miner's Pneumoconiosis) By Abigail R Lara, MD, University of Colorado Reviewed / Revised May 2020 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points Topic Resources Pneumoconiosis Coal workers' pneumoconiosis is caused by inhalation of coal dust.