Federal Regulators Delay Silica Dust Protections Amid Surging Black Lung Rates

By Taylor Sisk · KFF Health News · 2026-09-24

KFF Health News reports that the Mine Safety and Health Administration has indefinitely postponed enforcement of a new rule aimed at curbing silica dust exposure. This regulatory pause occurs as federal data reveals that nearly one-third of long-term miners in central Appalachia

KFF Health News reports that the Mine Safety and Health Administration has indefinitely postponed enforcement of a new rule aimed at curbing silica dust exposure. This regulatory pause occurs as federal data reveals that nearly one-third of long-term miners in central Appalachia