The face of human impact
A flag man stood in the cold warming himself on an endless field of coal. Coal is a needed energy source, but in the balance of nature the people of this land looses the vegetation that once sustained life forever. When the winds blow the fine coal dust. The indigenous people of this surrounding area are at risk to developing signs of the black lungs disease. The black lung disease is known as (coal workers' pneumoconiosis) is a lung disease caused by deposits of coal dust in the lungs. Black lung results from inhaling coal dust over a long time. Although coal dust is relatively inert and does not provoke much reaction, it spreads throughout the lungs and shows up as tiny spots on an x-ray. Coal dust may block the airways. In simple black lung, coal dust collects around the small airways (bronchioles) of the lungs. Every year, 1 to 2% of people with simple black lung develop a more serious form of the disease called progressive massive fibrosis, in which large scars (at least ½ inch in diameter) develop in the lungs as a reaction to the dust. Progressive massive fibrosis may worsen even after exposure to coal dust stops. Lung tissue and the blood vessels in the lungs can be destroyed by the scarring.
In the When mother earth trembled photo essay.
6 Responses
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On 27 February 2008 Laura Boston-thek gave props:
Excellent! I see a series coming on!
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On 28 February 2008 Harsh Wardhan said:
These pitiable condition are so common in Indian coal mines& in asbestos industry. Very moving collection of pictures
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On 29 February 2008 seanie blue said:
What a fabulous collection of pictures and essays! Thank you so much for putting this up here; not sure I can think of any stronger collection of pictures with words on this site. Outstanding. Best of all, I can sense your seethe throughout, but the restraint is admirable, and the calm explanation of the effects of tearing into Mother Nature's skin is very effective. If it was me doing this, there would be nothing but screech. Beaucoup admiration to you. Great work.
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On 2 March 2008 roma johnson said:
Looks like there was a mountain in the background but its gone now.
This is real, Man burning coal in a can and black slush. Powerful. Feels like you can choke being there. They too the fresh out the air. Welcome to global warming people. -
On 20 March 2008 Chuck Schoenberger said:
Great photo - it tells a story in itself. Your narative is also very informative and a reality check for all of us. Hard to imagine we use such inefficient and polluting methods today.
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On 5 July 2008 judy fouse gave props:
My father worked with coal dust most of his life, being a heavy equipment operator working at an electric company. He died at the young age of 88.
Also by ! Glenn ! ! Capers !
