Pollution from coal-mining is linked to chronic illness among residents in coal mining communities

[txlibdem]

http://www.energyjustice.net/coal

Beyond posing threats to workers’ safety, pollution from coal-mining is linked to chronic illness among residents in coal mining communities. Data collected in a 2008 study by the WVU Institute for Health Policy Research shows that people living in coal mining communities:

* Have a 70 percent increased risk for developing kidney disease.
* Have a 64 percent increased risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema.
* Are 30 percent more likely to report high blood pressure (hypertension).

The same study concluded that mortality rates are higher in coal-mining communities than in other areas of the country or region and that there are 313 deaths in West Virginia from coal-mining pollution every year. The study accounted for restricted access to healthcare, higher than average smoking rates, and lower than average income levels.

[Marazinia]

1. That's shockingly high

[txlibdem]

4. What's shocking is the DU posters who want you to FEAR other power sources instead

Coal is the dirtiest, most injurious, most hazardous power source we have. We need to end coal use before any other power source.

[txlibdem]

7. The WHO states that coal kills up to 2 million people each year

That is a red flag to me.

For reference, see:
WHO: Air pollution kills more than 2 million annually
By Wendy Koch, USA TODAY
Updated 2011-09-26 3:35 PM

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2011/09/who-air-pollution-causes-more-than-two-million-annual-deaths-/1

[PDJane]

2. and it's been known since coal began to be mined.

Miners bring it home with them, and their children and spouses and pets suffer from the same illnesses.

The stuff is dirty and dangerous when mined, dirty and dangerous when burned, dirty and dangerous to dispose of. It pollutes everything it comes in contact with.

[demosincebirth]

3. Didn't a democrat, just barely win the Governership?

[txlibdem]

5. Which state? The article talks about 26 states...

[demosincebirth]

6. W.VA

[txlibdem]

8. 97% coal generation! Looks like that state is in a pickle for sure

And whichever states are "downwind" from it are in it for worse (since it's the toxins and particulates that kill).

Look up the Energy Mix in your state by mousing over this map:
http://www.getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

For instance, Texas gets 37% of its electricity from coal, 8% from non-hydro renewable energy. In fact, only a few states beat Texas in the amount of renewable energy in their energy mix. I call that crazy weird but also kinda cool. Texas wind!