An analysis of contributing mining factors in coal workers’ pneumoconiosis prevalence in the United States coal mines, 1986–2018

Abstract In the United States, an unexpected and severe increase in coal miners’ lung diseases late 1990s prompted researchers to investigate causes of disease resurgence. This study aims scrutinize effects various mining parameters, including rank, mine size, operation type, seam height, geographical location on prevalence worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) surface underground mines. A comprehensive dataset was created using U.S. Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) Employment Accident/Injury databases. The information merged based ID by utilizing SQL data management software. total number 123,589 mine-year observations were included statistical analysis. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model used conduct a analysis 29,707, 32,643 for mines, respectively. results econometrics approach revealed that workers mines are at greater risk CWP comparing those operations. Furthermore, Appalachia Interior regions higher than Western region. Surface Appalachian region more likely development miners also indicated working smaller vulnerable large sizes. thin-seam operations develop CWP.