Why does coal cause pollution

Others go to great lengths to buy enough jugs or bottles from the store to always have on hand. Green America's website is sponsored by Green America members and. Help us meet our Matching Gift Challenge! Climate Change The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, increasing levels of CO2 and other gasses, trapping heat, and contributing to global climate change. Coal combustion releases the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide CO2 and nitrous oxide N2O during combustion.

Coal-fired power plants release more greenhouse gases per unit of energy produced than any other electricity source 1. Luckily, coal-fired plants are closing down throughout the U. The coal mining process releases methane, which is 87 more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO2 over a 20 year period 4. Carbon capture and storage CCS technologies have been marketed as a way to address climate emissions from burning coal, by pumping CO2 produced through burning coal underground isntead of into the air.

However, the technology is extremely expensive, and even if the carbon can be sequestered, the coal-fired plant will still result in destructive coal mining as well as toxic coal ash as a byproduct. Air Pollution Air pollution is another side-effect of fossil fuel use. Coal combustion releases sulfur dioxide SO2 and nitrogen oxides NOx , which react with water and oxygen to form acid rain. Acid rain corrodes buildings and structures and acidifies freshwater environments, damaging aquatic ecosystems 5.

Volatile organic compounds VOCs react to form ground-level ozone, or smog. Smog can cause a variety of respiratory and cardiovascular effects and is especially dangerous to the elderly, young children, and people with asthma 6. Fine particulate matter PM10 and PM2. This particulate matter gets lodged in the lungs when inhaled and increases the risk for pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer 7. Also in What is energy?

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Also in Coal explained Coal Mining and transportation Where our coal comes from Imports and exports How much coal is left Use of coal Prices and outlook Coal and the environment. Renewable sources. Renewable energy. Biofuels: Ethanol and Biomass-based diesel. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with already compromised health suffer most. In addition to pollution originating from power plants, the mining and transport of coal, as well as the disposal of coal ash waste, can have significant impacts on human health.

Over the past few years, pressure from activists, citizens, and public health care professionals has led to seismic shifts in our understanding and regulation of coal. The Chinese government has now banned the construction of new coal plants in the three key economic regions surrounding the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, after citizens complained about the air pollution impacts. There is a growing recognition that coal makes us sick and its cost to human health is unacceptable.

This report provides estimates of the health impacts and associated economic costs of current emissions of air pollutants from coal fired power stations in South Africa.