The re-emergence of black lung disease

BLACK LUNG DISEASE: THE FACTS

WHAT WE KNOW:

* A chronic disease also known as coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

* Caused by breathing in coal dust over long periods, leaving sufferers with irreversible lung damage.

* Ranges in severity, and the most advanced form can be fatal.

* There can be several years between exposure and onset of the disease.

ITS RE-EMERGENCE:

* Six confirmed cases in Queensland since May 2015 and more workers are expected to be diagnosed with the illness.

* A 38-year-old man is the youngest of the confirmed cases.

* The current cases come 30 years after black lung was thought to be all but eradicated in Australia.

* A 1984 government survey identified 75 confirmed or suspected cases of black lung in Queensland's coal mining workforce.

* The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand says it's very likely the disease has been present all along but not picked up.

ACTION BEING TAKEN:

* A Senate committee has been investigating the re-emergence of black lung, including issues around the detection and treatment.

* Its interim report recommends the federal government establish a national coal dust monitoring group and states and territories adopt the national standard for coal dust exposure.

* Queensland Mines Minister Anthony Lynham has ordered an independent review of the state's existing screening systems.

* Queensland's five-point plan to combat the risks of black lung, includes a major review of the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme.