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Silicosis Lung Disease in Black Hills Miners

"Postcard showing two men operating a pneumatic drill at the Homestake Mine in Lead, S.D., 1912."
Postcard showing two men operating a pneumatic drill at the Homestake Mine in Lead, S.D., 1912.

 

The 1876 Deadwood Gold Rush led to an influx of mines and miners. Poor safety and health practices led to countless diseases, accidents, and deaths. One of the most common ailments that plagued miners was known as Silicosis, a lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust contains small pieces of crystalline silica.

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Image Citation:

“Penny Postcards from South Dakota.” Penny Postcards from South Dakota, USGenWeb Archives, usgwarchives.net/sd/lawrence/postcards/drill.jpg.