Abstract
The medical indications of a specific pneumoconiosis resulting from inhalation of coal dust are presented. The characteristics of simple pneumoconiosis and of progressive massive fibrosis are discussed. The effects of cigarette smoking obscure and complicate the respiratory change induced by coal workers pneumoconiosis. The etiology of the disease is certainly associated with the inhalation of coal dust, therefore prevention of the disease can be achieved by control of such dust exposures.