UCMC: Facilities Management
Health Issues
Coal-fired power plants, the largest source of energy production in the U.S., are major contributors to particulate pollution, which can increase the risk of asthma, respiratory diseases, and heart attacks. Power plant emissions amplify their contribution to global climate change by releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide (NOx) into the atmosphere through smoke stacks. Sulfur dioxide emissions contribute to acid rain. Furthermore, according to the U.S. EPA, coal-fired power plants are the largest source of human-caused mercury emissions. Mercury released to the environment enters the aquatic food chain and contaminates fish consumed by people and wildlife. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. The most sensitive health effect of mercury is an adverse impact on brain development of fetuses, infants and children. Low-level prenatal exposure can result in language, memory and attention deficits in children who were exposed in utero. Energy efficiency can enhance human health by reducing particulate, chemical and greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil-fuel based combustion and electrical generation, thereby improving outdoor air quality and curbing global climate change and acid rain.
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