Question

What are environmental and health impacts of the use of coal?

Answer 1

Coal's main disadvantage is its high sulfur content, leading acid precipitation when it is used as a fuel, and particulate matter problem..

Explanation:

Coal includes sulfur (sometimes as much as 5 percent (in Turkey for instance)). Its high sulfur content makes it a potentially notable source of sulfur dioxide emissions. In atmosphere sulfur dioxide is converted to sulfuric acid (since atmosphere contains water vapor) and this lead to acid precipitation.

Coal is also a principal source of particulate matter and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is number 1 gas in terms of global climate change (by its contribution to it). Particulate matter (especially between 0.5 micrometer and 10 micrometer in diameter) are small enough to reach the lung and cause harm to other respiratory organs (nose, throat, etc.).

Particulate matter aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular problems and harm lung tissue. Furthermore, some are carcinogenic. Evidence proved that premature deaths, bronchitis, nonfatal heat attacks, etc. can be lowered if particular matter concentrations in ambient air would lowered and monetary gains due to healthier people, less sick days, etc. are possible (USEPA, 2006). In the USA, alone $17 billion to $35 billion benefit was projected due to less health problems caused by high particulate matter concentrations in ambient air.

Reference:
USA EPA (2006). Revisions to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particle Pollution, Washington DC., USA.