| The Dangers of Coal-Burning Power Plants |
| Tuesday, 01 November 2011 | Julie Colley | Article |
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Coal Power-Plant Pollution Additional hazardous byproducts produced by coal-burning plants include, arsenic, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, zinc, radionuclides and particulate matter. Each type of coal produces different levels of these pollutants, all of which negatively impact both the environment and our health. Mercury, a known carcinogen, is of particular concern as it poisons fish in bodies of water miles away. Greenpeace reports that even at minimum levels, this neurotoxin has been shown to cause reduced intelligence in hundreds of thousands of children born annually. Mercury emissions occur at rates of approximately 25 pounds per 100 megawatts at the average coal plant, making coal-fired plants the largest single contributor of mercury pollution in the United States. Radionuclides are unstable atoms that, if leaked into the environment, cause radioactive contamination. When people or animals are exposed to the contamination, they can suffer the effects of radiation poisoning including genetic issues such as cancer and abnormal or failed births.. A coal-fueled plant has been known to produce more radioactive material than a nuclear power plant within industry regulations. The American Lung Association (ALA) released a report in March 2011 offering this startling statistic: “Particle pollution from power plants is estimated to kill approximately 13,000 people a year.” The ALA report singled out coal-fired power plants as among the worst offenders. Catastrophic Accidents It remains impossible to quantify the amount of poisons released by the above incident, but in one year, this plant reportedly produced 45,000 pounds of arsenic, 49,000 pounds of lead, 1.4 million pounds of barium, 91,000 pounds of chromium, and 140,000 pounds of manganese, much of this held in the holding pond and all of which can cause cancer, liver damage, neurological trauma and more. The TVA, in conjunction with the EPA, warned that pets and children should avoid contact with the toxic materials. The EPA reported that high levels of arsenic, lead and thallium were found in samples taken from downstream water sources, where hundreds of dead fish were found. While the authority is using heavy construction equipment to address the cleanup efforts, officials cannot predict how long it will take nor the final costs involved. Clean Coal Claims Greenpeace and other environmental groups, however, believe there is no such thing as clean coal. They claim the coal industry’s touting of the term “clean coal” in their advertising is “greenwashing” or propagandizing. One environmental group even went so far as to produce a devastating parody of a coal-industry “clean coal” ad. These environmental advocacy groups favor phasing out coal-burning power plants entirely. As an alternative, they are pushing for the expansion of environmentally friendly power sources such as solar and wind energy. One way or another, the days of coal-fueled power plants are numbered. Even if the dream of “clean coal” is achieved, it is only a matter of time before the finite supply of coal, like that of oil, runs out. In the meantime, it behooves us to work for increased safety regulation of coal plants to prevent the release of dangerous byproducts into our environment and our bodies, and to develop alternative energy technologies to replace coal. The sooner the better. Help the Earth, Spread the Word: Share this article with family and friends by clicking on the "Email This" or "Share This" links below right. Then see TODAY'S TOP STORIES. Additional resources: Comments
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Coal has been an integral part of American power generation since the late 1800s. While that technology has in some ways benefited our society, we now recognize the ecological hazards and health risks associated with using coal as an energy source. Coal by itself is not harmful; however, the byproducts of burning coal raise serious health and environmental issues. Another cause for concern is the vague laws governing the disposal of the toxic byproducts of coal-fired power plants, laws that allow each state to determine its own rules for its plant sites. 
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Furthermore a bit more than half the energy that the coal generates must be spent to trap, and compress the carbon dioxide (CO2) and pump it underground. This will double the cost of coal power and will make nuclear, solar and wind much more attractive. It would be the end of the industry so of course they talk big about "clean coal" and will do nothing as long as they can.
"Clean Coal" is an oxymoron.
Warm regards, Rick.