Explainer: What is black lung and why wasn't it identified through the Queensland surveillance scheme?

Explainer: What is black lung and why wasn't it identified through the Queensland surveillance scheme?

As of December 2015, six confirmed cases of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) aka "black lung", were identified in Queensland. CWP is a potentially fatal disease that was thought to have been eradicated in Australia. The initial cases were not identified through the Queensland Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme, the state's coal miners' fit for work and health surveillance scheme. Following the discovery of the initial cases, a review of the design and operation of the respiratory component of the scheme was commissioned by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM). As at March 2017, 20 Queenslanders had been diagnosed with CWP.

This 'Explainer' session welcomes Associate Professor Deborah Glass, who was part of the review team for the DNRM report. The session will provide an overview of CWP and discuss some of the key findings in DNRM report.

Date: Wednesday 12 April 2017

Time: 6:30 - 7:30pm

Registrations and refreshments from 6:00pm

Guest speaker:

Associate Professor Deborah Glass Associate Professor (Research), Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University

Target audience: Occupational Physicians, Occupational Hygienists, GPs, Nurses, Health Professionals with an interest in this topic.

A certificate of attendance can be provided upon request.

Parking: Free parking is available at 15 Bedbrook Place. See the map below for visitors parking information and directions to the Seminar Room.

For more information: Please contact GP@cancerwa.asn.au