Mixed-dust pneumoconiosis

Pathogenesis
The reaction of the lung to mineral dusts depends on many variables, including size, shape, solubility, and reactivity of the particles. For example, particles greater than 5 to 10 μm are unlikely to reach distal airways, whereas particles smaller than 0.5 μm move into and out of alveoli, often without substantial deposition and injury. Particles that are 1 to 5 μm in diameter are the most dangerous, because they get lodged at the bifurcation of the distal airways. Coal dust is relatively inert, and large amounts must be deposited in the lungs before lung disease is clinically detectable. Silica, asbestos, and beryllium are more reactive than coal dust, resulting in fibrotic reactions at lower concentrations. Most inhaled dust is entrapped in the mucus blanket and rapidly removed from the lung by ciliary movement. However, some of the particles become impacted at alveolar duct bifurcations, where macrophages accumulate and engulf the trapped particulates. The pulmonary alveolar macrophage is a key cellular element in the initiation and perpetuation of lung injury and fibrosis. Many particles activate the inflammasome and induce IL-1 production. The more reactive particles trigger the macrophages to release a number of products that mediate an inflammatory response and initiate fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition. Some of the inhaled particles may reach the lymphatics either by direct drainage or within migrating macrophages and thereby initiate an immune response to components of the particulates and/or to self-proteins that are modified by the particles. This then leads to an amplification and extension of the local reaction.
In addition, governments often regulate industry, especially mines, to limit how much dust is in the air. In the United States, coal miners injured by pneumoconiosis and their families may receive monthly payments and medical benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act. See also
Aluminosis
Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972
Chalicosis
Philip DArcy Hart
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
Popcorn workers lung disease — diacetyl emissions and airborne dust from butter flavorings used in microwave popcorn production

References
Further reading
Cochrane, A.L. ; Blythe, M. (1989). One Mans Medicine, an autobiography of Professor Archie Cochrane. London: BMJ Books. ISBN 0727902776. (Paperback ed. (2009) Cardiff University ISBN 0954088433. External links

"Pneumoconioses". NIOSH Safety and Health Topic. Center for Disease Control. 30 March 2022. "Black Lung Benefits Act". U.S. Department of Labor. Archived from the original on 2010-05-27. Retrieved 2007-03-02. Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis at Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Professional Edition
Black Lung — United Mine Workers of America
"Black Lung" (PDF). U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-05-30. A Conversation about Mining and Black Lung Disease
Flavorings-Related Lung Disease
The Institute of Occupational Medicine and its research into pneumocomiosis
Miller, B.G. ; Kinnear, A.G. Pneumoconiosis in coalminers and exposure to dust of variable quartz content (PDF) (Technical report). Institute of Occupational Medicine. TM/88/17.