Coal Worker Spirometry

What to know

Spirometry is a breathing test provided by NIOSH-approved facilities and clinics as part of the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP). CWHSP spirometry guidelines and resources for health facilities and manufacturers are provided below.

Close up of a male performing spirometry.

Periodic spirometry for coal miners

Spirometry helps to identify coal worker's pneumoconiosis or black lung, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions.

The CWHSP spirometry regulations are outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 37 Specifications for Medical Examinations of Coal Miners. Before providing spirometry tests and administering respiratory assessment questionnaires for the CWHSP:

  • Health facilities and clinics must be approved by NIOSH.
  • NIOSH-approved x-ray facilities must seek separate approval to also administer spirometry.

Facility Application

Instructions for Application

CWHSP Spirometry Facility Application

Contact information

Email - NIOSHbreathe@cdc.gov OR CWHSP@cdc.gov

Phone - 1-888-480-4042

Mailing address - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Respiratory Health Division, 1000 Frederick Lane, Morgantown, WV 26508