Coal Plant Emissions and Health Effects

The American Lung Association sums up the current situation in their “State of the Air 2007” report:

“Nearly half (46 percent) of the U.S. population lives in counties that have unhealthful levels of either ozone or particle pollution.”
According to the ALA, the critical step necessary to improve the air we breathe is to clean up dirty coal-fired power plants.

“Old, coal-fired power plants are among the biggest industrial contributors to unhealthful air, especially particle pollution in the eastern United States. The toll of death, disease and environmental destruction caused by coal-fired power plant pollution continues to mount. The EPA issued rules in 2005 that give states the tools to clean up these plants. However, the EPA has issued other rules that give the electric power plants huge loopholes in complying with the Clean Air Act. The American Lung Association and our partners will continue to take steps to ensure that loopholes are removed.” Full Report.

• Summaries of Health Dangers from Coal Plant Pollution.
• Market Failure
• Nitrogen Oxide/Smog/Ozone
• Sulfur Oxides/Acid Rain
• Mercury
• Particulate Matter
• Other Toxins