Blackley DJ, et al. - Researchers analyzed the trend for coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP)-related lung transplants using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data. They also studied CWP patients who have been waitlisted but not transplanted, and characterized the primary payer of medical costs for CWP-related and other occupational lung disease transplants. With the rising prevalence of severe CWP among U.S. coal miners, a consistent rise in the frequency and rate of lung transplantation for CWP was observed. Effective exposure controls and identification of early stage CWP were considered essential for protecting these workers.