Following an NPR investigation of a resurgence of cases of advanced black lung disease, some members of Congress have asked the relevant government agencies for a more accurate count of affected coal miners.

 “This shocking report requires a full accounting of the number of known cases of advanced black lung disease,” Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., wrote in a letter also signed by Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.

The lawmakers cite NPR’s work uncovering hundreds of cases of progressive massive fibrosis, the worst form of black lung disease, and ask the government agencies to study and report on the cases identified in a national testing program, the black lung claims pending with the Department of Labor, and the cases known to black lung clinics.

Ohio Valley ReSource partnered with NPR to learn more about the increase in cases of advanced black lung, and profiled a Kentucky miner struggling with the fatal disease.