Appalachia
Coverage of Appalachia in the Nexus archive.
- Book Seeks to Bridge the Gap Between Providers and Patients in Appalachia
Mistrust and communication breakdowns affect healthcare outcomes for Appalachian patients who feel dismissed or misunderstood by providers. Wendy Welch and Beth O’Connor compiled a book, “Medical Mistrust in Appalachia,” detailing the complex relationship between the region and modern medicine using diverse perspectives. The book aims to help medical providers understand valid reasons why some people may hesitate to follow medical advice.
- Black lung cases surging again in Southwest Va., Appalachia; miners blame blocked regulations
Black lung cases among Appalachian coal miners have surged to near 50-year highs due to mixed coal mine dust containing silica, which can cause pneumoconiosis. Advocates are demanding that federal regulations be enforced, citing data from the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and NIOSH. The problem is aggravated by deeper mining operations that expose workers not only to coal but also to rock/silica dust.
- Black lung rates in Appalachia are high as the 1970s, with thousands of miners sick
New NIOSH data indicates that underground coal miners in central Appalachia are suffering from black lung disease at rates high for nearly 50 years. Researchers found that one in three veteran underground coal miners tested positive, a rate comparable to that recorded in 1978. The findings also suggest that even miners with as few as 15 years of underground work have elevated rates.
- Appalachia's black lung rates highest in nearly 50 years as miners' protections stall
Black lung rates in Appalachia have reached their highest level in nearly 50 years, with thousands of miners sick and dying. Mining experts attribute the crisis to increased exposure to toxic silica dust in mines.
- Appalachia's black lung rates highest in nearly 50 years as miners' protections stall
Appalachia's black lung rates are at their highest level in nearly 50 years, with thousands of miners sick and dying. Mining experts attribute the crisis to increased exposure to toxic silica dust in mines.
- Black Lung Rising
Fault Lines reports a surge in black lung disease among younger coal miners in Appalachia, highlighting gaps in dust protection measures. The investigation focuses on the health crisis and insufficient safeguards in the coal mining industry.
- Appalachian Lithium Cache Enough to Power 130 Million EVs, USGS Says
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates a lithium deposit in Appalachia could power 130 million electric vehicles, highlighting a significant domestic resource for clean energy transition.