Feds to Drug Test Miners, but Deny Black Lung Aide

Alex Felsinger — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:48:55 +0000

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration said weeks ago that they were too busy to address new concerns regarding coal dust inhalation; the following week, they proposed new regulations to begin random drug testing of American miners.

Hundreds of retired miners die every year from black lung, a disease which has haunted coal workers since the early days of the profession. Miners are outraged that the government entity which is supposed to protect their safety seemingly holds little concern for the impact that the job has on their health, yet has decided to make their marijuana habits an issue worth tackling.

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Feds to Drug Test Miners, but Deny Black Lung Aide

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration said weeks ago that they were too busy to address new concerns regarding coal dust inhalation; the following week, they proposed new regulations to begin random drug testing of American miners.