Our statement on the dismantling of the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety

For many years our work at ACLC has benefitted from the hardworking staff at the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH). The researchers there helped uncover the prevalence and resurgence of black lung disease in our region. Their work was foundational to the formulation of dust standards meant to curb the black lung epidemic. On more than one occasion researchers from NIOSH visited Whitesburg upon our request, speaking at town halls and public events to educate the public about the disease. NIOSH also regularly sent staff to coal mining communities across Appalachia to provide free black lung screenings to miners and staff were dedicated to developing and testing new technologies to improve mine safety and reduce dust exposure. This week, the Trump Administration fired all of the staff who ran these important programs at NIOSH. From what we have been able to piece together, these services to coal miners and their families have been eliminated. This is a huge loss for Eastern Kentuckians and to residents throughout the coalfields.