Bronte Wells
Coal is a fossil fuel and non-renewable energy source that has been a reliable energy source for the US. However, burning coal releases harmful environmental pollutants that negatively impact human health and contribute to global warming. These pollutants include carbon dioxide, mercury, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other toxic heavy metals. The health impacts of coal pollution range from respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and asthma to more severe problems like brain damage, heart attacks, cancer, and premature death. The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act aim to reduce these pollutants, and emerging technologies like carbon capture and storage show potential in mitigating coal's environmental impacts. However, the decline in mortality rates due to reduced emissions highlights the success of regulatory measures and the need for continued efforts to address coal pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions | In 2022, burning coal for energy accounted for about 19% of total US energy-related CO2 emissions and about 55% of total CO2 emissions from the electric power sector. |
| Mercury emissions | Coal plants are responsible for 42% of US mercury emissions, which can damage the nervous, digestive, and immune systems and pose a serious threat to child development. |
| Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions | Nitrous oxides are visible as smog, irritate lung tissue, exacerbate asthma, and make people more susceptible to chronic respiratory diseases. In 2014, US coal power plants emitted more than 1.5 million tons. |
| Particulate matter | Particulates are linked to chronic bronchitis, aggravated asthma, cardiovascular effects like heart attacks, and premature death. US coal power plants emitted 197,286 tons of small airborne particles (10 micrometers or less in diameter) in 2014. |
| Sulfur dioxide emissions | Sulfur dioxide irritates the lungs and exacerbates asthma. |
| Global warming | Carbon dioxide emissions from combusting fossil fuels are the main driver of global warming, which leads to rising temperatures, accelerating sea level rise, drought, heat waves, heavy rainfall, intensified storms, and species loss. |
| Water pollution | Coal ash impoundment ruptures can damage downstream environments. Ash waste from coal-fired power plants can contaminate waterways and drinking water supplies over time. |
| Heavy metals | Coal power plants emitted 41.2 tons of lead and 9,332 pounds of cadmium in 2014, in addition to other toxic heavy metals. |
| Carbon monoxide | US coal power plants emitted 576,185 tons of carbon monoxide in 2014, which causes headaches and places additional stress on people with heart disease. |
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What You'll Learn
Coal ash and environmental contamination
Coal is a major source of energy and has been for a long time, but it also has tremendous costs. Coal-burning power plants produce a range of harmful environmental impacts and pollutants that are detrimental to both public health and the natural environment.
Coal ash, also known as Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR), is the material left behind after coal is burned for energy in power plants. It is a toxic mix of carcinogens, neurotoxins, and other hazardous pollutants. Coal ash includes fly ash, a fine powdery substance composed mainly of silica, and bottom ash, a coarse angular ash particle that is too large to be carried up smokestacks and collects at the bottom of the coal furnace. Boiler slag is another byproduct of burning coal, which forms pellets with a smooth glassy appearance after being cooled with water.
The disposal of coal ash has led to environmental contamination. In the United States, fly ash and bottom ash are often stored near power plants or placed in landfills. This has resulted in pollution leaching into the ground and contaminating groundwater. Coal ash impoundment failures can also cause environmental damage downstream. The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act in the US aim to reduce pollutants released into the air and water, and the EPA has established regulations for coal ash disposal. However, there has been limited progress in cleaning up contaminated groundwater and safely closing coal ash ponds.
The effects of coal ash contamination are evident in the Moapa River Indian Reservation, where communities are facing devastating impacts on their water resources and clean air. Coal-burning power plants are a significant source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution, which is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Research has shown that emissions from coal power plants contribute to a higher number of deaths than previously thought, with coal PM2.5 being particularly deadly due to its high content of sulfur dioxide, black carbon, and metals.
To address the environmental and health impacts of coal ash, enforcement and strengthening of regulations, as well as the transition to clean energy sources, are necessary.
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Nitrogen oxides and smog
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a major pollutant emitted by coal-burning power plants. In 2014, US coal power plants emitted over 1.5 million tons of nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen oxides are visible as smog and have adverse effects on human health. Short-term exposure can cause an increased incidence of respiratory illness and infection, while long-term exposure can lead to actual changes in the lungs. Nitrogen oxides irritate lung tissue, exacerbate asthma, and make people more susceptible to chronic respiratory diseases like pneumonia and influenza.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major nitrogen oxide that is potentially toxic. When combined with ozone or sulfur dioxide, it can cause injury. In the atmosphere, nitrogen oxides can be transformed into ozone, which has its own adverse health effects. Ozone is a major component of smog, which is a mixture of pollutants that reduce visibility and cause adverse health effects. Smog is often associated with large urban areas, where emissions from vehicles and industrial activities contribute to its formation.
Coal-burning power plants are a significant source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution, which is another component of smog. Exposure to PM2.5 is associated with an increased risk of death and various health issues. PM2.5 from coal has been found to be much more harmful than previously thought, with a mortality burden that has been seriously underestimated. Researchers have estimated that between 1999 and 2020, 460,000 deaths could have been prevented in the absence of emissions from coal power plants.
To reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, various technologies and methods can be employed. During combustion, a Low NOx burner can be used to burn fuel at the right air-fuel ratio, reducing NOx emissions by 30-55%. After combustion, selective catalytic reduction or selective non-catalytic reduction processes can further reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Catalytic reduction involves injecting ammonia into a reactor, while non-catalytic reduction uses urea instead and occurs at a higher temperature.
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Mercury emissions and health impacts
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that is released into the atmosphere when coal is burned. Coal plants are responsible for 42% of mercury emissions in the US, and these emissions have severe health impacts. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can cause brain damage in babies and children, affecting their nervous, digestive, and immune systems and leading to neurodevelopmental delays. Exposure to mercury is also associated with heart disease and an increased risk of cancer in adults.
The most common way people are exposed to mercury is by eating contaminated fish. Mercury emitted from coal-burning power plants can settle in bodies of water, making fish unsafe to eat. A national survey estimated that around 19 million people in the US who consumed self-caught fish three or more times a week were exposed to mercury levels high enough to cause adverse health effects. Low-income individuals who rely on fishing as a source of food are particularly at risk. Currently, all states in the US have advisories against eating fish from certain waterways due to high mercury levels.
The dangers of mercury emissions from coal plants have been recognized, and efforts have been made to reduce them. In 2012, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which significantly lowered mercury pollution from coal plants. The Biden administration further tightened limits on mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants in 2024, reducing allowable emissions from lignite coal-burning plants by 70%. These regulations have had positive health impacts, especially for vulnerable communities living near power plants.
However, despite these efforts, mercury pollution from coal plants remains a concern. Many power plants continue to emit mercury and other toxins, and the Trump administration has allowed some plants to bypass air pollution limits. As a result, stronger safeguards and continued enforcement of regulations are needed to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury emissions.
In addition to mercury, coal-burning power plants release other harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. These pollutants contribute to air pollution and have negative impacts on human health, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular effects, and increased mortality risk.
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Carbon dioxide and global warming
Coal is a cheap and abundant fuel source, but it has detrimental effects on the environment and human health. The combustion of fossil fuels like coal releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Global warming refers to the phenomenon of rising temperatures caused by emissions of heat-trapping gases, primarily from human activities. These gases accumulate in the atmosphere, acting like a blanket and warming the Earth's surface.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas produced from burning fossil fuels, and coal is a major contributor to its emissions. In 2022, CO2 emissions from coal combustion accounted for about 19% of total US energy-related CO2 emissions and 55% of total CO2 emissions from the electric power sector. The United States and China are the largest emitters of CO2 from coal consumption, contributing to nearly 60% of global CO2 emissions from coal.
The consequences of global warming driven by CO2 emissions from coal and other fossil fuels are severe and far-reaching. Rising temperatures accelerate sea level rise and increase the risks of drought, heatwaves, heavy rainfall, intensified storms, and species loss. If left unchecked, climate change caused by these emissions could lead to profound ecological disruption and irreversible harm.
To address the impact of coal combustion on global warming, scientists are exploring new methods to reduce CO2 emissions. One approach is carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which separates CO2 from emissions sources, concentrates it, and injects it into deep geological formations for permanent storage. While CCS shows promise, it is expensive and has not yet been deployed at a commercial scale in coal-fueled power plants.
In addition to carbon capture and storage, other strategies can be employed to mitigate the environmental effects of coal production and consumption. Reusing and recycling waste produced from burning coal can help reduce its environmental impact. Land reclamation is another strategy, where previously used coal mining areas are converted for other purposes, such as airports, landfills, or golf courses.
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Particulate matter and health
Coal-burning power plants are a significant source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution. This particulate matter is often referred to as "soot" and is the ashy grey substance in coal smoke. The size of the particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health issues. Small particles, like those found in PM2.5, measuring 10 micrometres or less in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs, and some may even enter the bloodstream.
The health effects of particulate matter air pollution have been recognised for decades. In 1930, an incident in Belgium's Meuse Valley involving sulfur dioxide from factory emissions and dense fog resulted in thousands of people experiencing acute pulmonary symptoms, and 60 deaths. More recently, in 2014, US coal power plants emitted 197,286 tons of small airborne particles, measured as 10 micrometers or less in diameter.
Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to a variety of adverse health effects, including increased respiratory symptoms such as irritation of the airways, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It is also associated with cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, and can worsen existing medical conditions like heart disease and asthma. Scientific studies have found a correlation between increases in daily PM2.5 exposure and higher hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory issues, as well as emergency department visits and deaths. Long-term exposure to fine particles has been linked to increased mortality from heart disease and may be associated with higher rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, and lung cancer.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to the health impacts of particulate matter pollution. These include people with heart or lung diseases, children, older adults, minority populations, and individuals of low socioeconomic status. People with existing health conditions, such as heart and respiratory problems, pregnant women, children, and older adults, may be particularly sensitive to particle pollution. It is important for individuals in these sensitive groups to limit their exposure to unhealthy air quality and take precautions, such as wearing well-fitting face masks outdoors, to protect their health.
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Frequently asked questions
Coal is a fossil fuel and non-renewable energy source that is burned to generate electricity. The process of burning coal releases a number of harmful airborne toxins and pollutants, including:
- Mercury
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Sulfur dioxide
- Particulate matter (PM2.5)
- Heavy metals
The health impacts of coal pollutants can range from asthma and breathing difficulties to heart problems, cancer, neurological disorders, and even premature death. The continuous inhalation of hazardous substances can also trigger respiratory and cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation, and neurodegeneration.
Coal is a major contributor to global warming due to its high emissions of heat-trapping gases, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2). These gases rise into the atmosphere and trap heat, leading to rising temperatures, accelerating sea level rise, droughts, heat waves, and extreme weather events.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Coal-fired power plants emit large quantities of PM2.5, which is rich in sulfur dioxide, black carbon, and metals. Exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased risk of respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are emerging as a potential solution to capture CO2 emissions from coal plants. However, CCS remains expensive and unproven at a large scale. Other technologies aim to reduce mercury emissions and capture pollutants before they are released into the environment.
