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Black Lung
Black lung is the common umbrella term for preventable, occupational lung diseases. These diseases are caused by breathing in various dangerous dusts often associated with work-related duties such as mining and construction work. Most people suffering from black lung diseases do not present with symptoms or the symptoms may be confused with other conditions. Because of the way these diseases present themselves, many physicians tend to diagnose the symptoms as expected conditions associated with aging. The first sign of the disease may even only be detected by a routine chest X-ray. Common symptoms of black lung include shortness of breath, obstruction of airways and severe/chronic cough.
Countries with a High Prevalence of Black Lung
Several studies have found a high prevalence of black lung in developing countries. The Institute for Rescue, Ergonomics and Industrial Hygiene in Belgium has found that the number of cases is on the rise despite growing awareness of the causes of these diseases. This is largely due to the growth and expansion of mining, mineral extraction, construction and other industrial jobs putting new populations of workers at risk every year. This is further complicated by poor working conditions and over exposure to large amounts of dust allowing black lung to develop and progress more rapidly and in shorter periods of time than originally thought. The risk is greatly increased in areas where tuberculosis is highly prevalent.
Countries with the highest incidence and prevalence of black lung are:
In some cases, black lung may never become more severe than the symptoms highlighted earlier. In other cases, the disease progresses from simple to complicated pneumoconiosis, a condition also know as progressive massive fibrosis. Pneumoconiosis is debilitating, potentially fatal always irreversible. There are no specific treatment methods.
Specific At-Risk Population: South African Miners
This population has been identified as a specific use case for the WHITIA device. This population is at risk for both TB and black lung. In addition, they are exposed to complications from HIV and many of the socio-economic hurdles given for lack of access to imaging. We have learned that this mining population is currently subject to periodic screening using CXR. We are currently gathering information on the current process for this screening to understand how the WHITIA device can improve the process and potentially bring better imaging capabilities to this population.
CXR’s role in Black Lung Diagnosis
Black lung diseases are diagnosed through a series of tests. The most common tests are CXR which show characteristic lesions and pulmonary function tests. Because early stages of these diseases are treatable and advanced stages are incurable, health authorities advocate for mass radiologic screening for exposed populations. The cost-efficiency of CXR versus other screening tools such as CT or bronchoscopy makes it an indispensible tool for this purpose.
CXR screening for black lung diseases is subject to many of the same hurdles associated with CXR for TB. Poor infrastructure and a lack of trained technologists and radiologists have limited the ability of developing countries to effectively deploy CXR capabilities. The benefits of the Device will provide a valuable remedy for developing countries seeking a solution for their black lung screening initiatives.
*NOTE: Remi-d has not yet been submitted for approval to the FDA. There are significant risks and uncertainties in product research and development. Scientific and regulatory hurdles may cause the project to be discontinued or delayed or fail to reach the market. There can be no guarantee that Remi-d will receive regulatory approval, or that it will be commercially successful.
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