Anthracosis of the lung, gross specimen. This is a lung disease caused by air pollution and is also known as pneumoconiosis. There are many small black macules (holes) arising as a result of inhalation of pollutants such as coal dust, particles found in urban air, or tobacco smoke. Anthracosis occurs when the lung's capacity to remove coal particles is exceeded and the dust accumulates. A symptom of anthracosis may be shortness of breath, and complications may be the development of emphysema and an increased risk of lung cancer. There is no cure for the disease.