Coal operations can affect the health of the workers in several ways:
• Exposure to coal mine dust causes pulmonary diseases, such as coal workers' pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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• Exposure to crystalline silica dust causes silicosis, COPD, and other diseases
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• Asbestosis and cancer can also be caused for exposure to the substance in the mine
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• These diseases can cause impairment, disability, and premature death.