HEART5 to conduct free lung tests in Cairns

Queensland’s mine safety regulator (RSHQ) encourages retired miners and quarry workers to register for a free lung examination when The Hearts5 mobile health truck comes to Cairns later this month.

HEART5 is equipped with advanced medical equipment to effectively identify mine dust lung diseases such as black lung and silicosis.

Director of the Health Surveillance Unit at RSHQ Evan Pengelly says conducting these tests is crucial due to the prolonged incubation period of mine dust lung diseases, which can take up to a decade or more to appear.

"We know that prevention is the best defence, however, identifying the disease in its early stages can prevent it from progressing to a point where it seriously impacts your quality of life," said Mr Pengelly.

"I strongly urge all former Queensland mine and quarry workers to get a free lung check."

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