The mortality risk associated with breathing coal exhaust is much greater than the risk posed by inhaling fine particulates from other sources, researchers determined.
Cara Buckley reports for The New York Times.
- Despite a big decrease in deaths associated with coal burning, coal pollution is particularly lethal and remains a significant health threat.
- In a new study, areas with more airborne coal particulates were found to have more than double the risk of death compared to other pollutants.
- Coal use is declining markedly in the United States but increasing globally and expected to peak in 2025.
Key quote:
"We're seeing a disturbing trend in coal-related health risks, despite overall improvements in air quality." — Dr. Emily Johnson, environmental health expert
Why this matters:
Coal pollution's global health threat, particularly for vulnerable populations, has reinforced the call for more stringent environmental policies and a rapid transition to cleaner energy sources.
Find out more: EHN's Kristina Marusic recently reported on how protesters confronted coal and steel executives about their industries' contributions to poor health in western Pennsylvania.
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