Coal dust inhalation. Light micrograph of a section through lung tissue affected by anthracosis, a disorder caused by the inhalation of fine coal dust. The particles are seen as black dots here. White blood cells gather around the particles, blocking up the alveoli (air spaces) in the lungs. This leads to shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. It can also lead to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale). There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms. Magnification unknown.