Black lung disease is not caused by any other illness, and can only develop from long-term exposure to coal or graphite dust. Certain other conditions, however, can worsen the symptoms and effects of black lung disease. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, this condition in combination with black lung disease can cause a large amount of scarring to occur very suddenly in the lungs. If you smoke, your symptoms from black lung disease may be worse than they would be otherwise, and the damage to your lungs from both sources may compound.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.