Introduccion: la neumoconiosis de los mineros de carbon es una enfermedad pulmonar ocupacional asociada a factores individuales y condiciones laborales especifcas. Se manifesta progresiva e irreversiblemente, afectando la salud de los trabajadores y la productividad laboral. Objetivo: caracterizar las condiciones de salud respiratoria e identifcar los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de neumoconiosis en trabajadores que han laborado expuestos a polvo de carbon en minas de socavon en Boyaca, 2013. Materiales y metodos: Se realizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en trabajadores de mineria de socavon expuestos a polvo de carbon en el departamento de Boyaca. Se llevo a cabo un registro completo de historia clinica ocupacional, examen fisico completo, toma de radiografia de torax, prueba de tuberculina y espirometria. Resultados: participaron 170 trabajadores masculinos. 75% de la poblacion tenia antiguedad en el sector minero mayor a 12,5 anos. Roncus, sibilancias y estertores predominaron en trabajadores con mas de 20 anos de antiguedad. Expectoracion y tos se encontraron mas frecuentemente en quienes realizaban la extraccion mecanizada. El 15,9% de las radiografias de torax fueron compatibles con neumoconiosis, 17,1% de las pruebas de tuberculina se encontraron positivas. 5,3% de las espirometrias mostraron alteraciones de via aerea periferica y 2,4% mostraron patron obstructivo. Discusion y conclusion: Los cambios radiologicos sugestivos de neumoconiosis fueron mas frecuentes en trabajadores con antiguedad menor de 20 anos. Los hallazgos espirometricos anormales predominaron en el grupo con antiguedad mayor a 20 anos. Es necesario revisar protocolos de vigilancia epidemiologica y realizar seguimiento por medicina laboral. Palabra clave: Neumoconiosis, mineria del carbon, tuberculosis, condiciones de trabajo, exposicion ocupacional, Colombia. Forma de citar: Garrote Wilches CF, Malagon Rojas JN, Morgan G, Combariza D, Varona, M. Caracterizacion de las condiciones de salud respiratoria de los trabajadores expuestos a polvo de carbon en mineria subterranea en Boyaca, 2013. rev.univ.ind.santander.salud 2014; 46 (3): 237-247 Characterization of respiratory health conditions of workers exposed to coal dust in underground mining in Boyaca, 2013. Introduction: coal miners´ pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease associated with individual factors and specifc working conditions. It is manifested progressively and irreversibly, affecting the health of workers and labor productivity. Objective: To characterize the respiratory health conditions and identify risk factors associated with the development of pneumoconiosis in workers that have been exposed to coal dust in the underground mines at Boyaca, 2013. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among mining workers exposed to coal dust in the department of Boyaca. It was conducted a complete record of occupational medical history, physical exam, taking chest radiography, tuberculin test and spirometry. Results: 170 male workers participated. 75% of the population had worked in the mining sector for more than12.5 years old. Rhonchi, wheezing and rattling predominated in workers over 20 years old. Expectoration and cough were most frequently found in those who made mechanized extraction. 15.9% of chest X rays were compatible with pneumoconiosis, 17.1% of tuberculin tests were found positive. 5.3% of spirometries showed peripheral airway abnormalities and 2.4% showed obstructive pattern. Discussion and conclusion: Radiological changes suggestive of pneumoconiosis were more frequent in workers under 20 years old. Abnormal spirometric fndings predominated in the group with more than 20 years old. It is important to review surveillance protocols and perform monitoring through occupational medicine. Keywords: pneumoconiosis, coal mining, tuberculosis, working conditions, occupational exposure, Colombia.