Australia is not meeting international standards on coal dust exposure, lung cancer surgeons have told the Medical Journal of Australia.

The lung health experts also say the results of x-rays and lung inspections should be evaluated independently of mining companies.

Percy Verrall is dealing with the health effects of a lifetime working in underground coal mines. Credit:Glenn Hunt

"This should be performed every three years and should be funded by the employer but preferably evaluated by physicians and radiologists not employed by the coal companies," lung disease expert Associate Professor Deborah Yates has told the Medical Journal of Australia.

Associate Professor Deborah Yates is a specialist in thoracic disease at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney.