Which term describes the condition commonly known as "black lung disease" that affects coal workers?

The term that accurately describes the condition commonly known as "black lung disease," which is specifically associated with coal workers, is anthracosis. Anthracosis is a type of pneumoconiosis, which refers to lung diseases caused by the inhalation of various types of dust, particularly mineral dust. In the case of anthracosis, it is primarily the carbon dust from coal that accumulates in the lungs, leading to respiratory issues.

While pneumoconiosis is a broader term that encompasses various types of lung diseases caused by inhalation of different types of dust, including silica and asbestos, the condition specifically related to coal workers is best termed anthracosis. Asbestosis refers to lung issues specifically caused by asbestos exposure, and fibrosis generally refers to the formation of excess connective tissue in the lungs, which can occur as a result of various types of lung disease, but does not specifically identify the condition affecting coal workers. Therefore, anthracosis is the most precise and relevant term in this context.