An Epidemic Is Killing Thousands Of Coal Miners. Regulators Could Have Stopped It.

S E E D E D   C O N T E N T

It’s a familiar tale across Appalachia. Two hours north and east, beyond twisting mountain roads, Danny Smith revved up a lawn mower. He wore jeans, a T-shirt and a white face mask stretching from eyes to chin, and he pushed only about 15 feet before he suddenly shut off the mower, bent to his knees and started hacking uncontrollably.