An investigation into the effects of limits imposed on exposure to coal dust has revealed shocking findings that even after introduction of new limits some time back, coal miners have been continuing to face deaths.

The inquest was conducted together by officials from NPR and the Center for Public Integrity (CPI), the report finds. The Collaboration has told that the regions, including eastern Kentucky, southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia, are amidst the most vulnerable.

The teams have affirmed lately that however, strict maintenance of rules i. e. not to exceed certain limits of exposure could have ensured protection though. Breaking the trend of following a significantly slashed limit introduced in
1969 has resulted in increased number of black lung patients.

It has been told that the amount breathed by many during that period was brought down to nearly a fourth of the total. And while there was an immediate fall in the rate of diagnoses by 90%, the same tended to rise in the mid-1990s.

The reason behind the same was unhealthy practice of the cuts introduced and easy attitude of regulators. "That is why MSHA has proposed several changes to overhaul the current standards and reduce miners' exposure to unhealthy dust", says Joe Main, who is a mine safety chief.