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Black Lung Disease Tests This Week At New Mexico Mines

  A mobile testing unit for black lung disease will be making stops in New Mexico this week.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting free screenings for the illness commonly associated with coal mine workers.

Officials say the screenings take about 30 minutes and include a chest x-ray, breathing test and health questionnaire.

They say miners are encouraged to make an appointment but walk-ins are welcome.

Medical professionals say there is no known treatment for black lung disease but early detection is important.

Black lung disease is caused by inhaling coal dust.

The mobile unit will be at San Juan Mine in Waterflow on Monday and Tuesday. It will then be at Navajo Mine in Fruitland on Wednesday and Thursday.

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Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.