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

Due to the high sulfur content of coal (up to 5 percent in Turkey, for example), sulfur dioxide emissions from coal could be significant because sulfur dioxide is converted to sulfuric acid in the atmosphere, which causes acid precipitation because the atmosphere contains water vapor.

Particulate matter (particularly that which has a diameter of between 0.5 and 10 micrometers) is small enough to enter the lungs and injure other respiratory organs (nose, throat, etc.). Particulate matter is also a major source of carbon dioxide, which is the gas most responsible for the global warming that has occurred.

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.

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

The environmental impacts of coal use include air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Health impacts include respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and other illnesses associated with exposure to air pollutants and toxic substances released during coal combustion.