In China pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung disease, is the top occupational related cause of death. It has caused more than 90 percent of the 677,000 reported occupational related deaths since the 1950s, according to the latest government statistics.

Black lung affects miners and workers in cement production who breathe in coal or cement dust. The disease can take 10 years to manifest symptoms in patients

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) despite the 1969 law which limited the amount of coal dust in mines, coal miners are still coming down with "black lung" or pneumoconiosis.

Within two month period starting March through May Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program identified 30 miners with pneumoconiosis out of a total of 328 miners who were screened

The Japanese trade ministry announced Friday that over 370 factory workers died and nearly 90 others became ill after handling asbestos, over the span of a decade. The figures comes after a national survey, following reports of health problems linked to the hazardous material.

The Economy and Trade Ministry said a total of 374 died of mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lining of the chest cavity, or pheumoconiosis (black lung), at 24 of the 89 asbestos-products manufacturers that responded to the survey