Ways Coal Is Harmful to the Environment

Effects on Climate Change

• Coal is made up of natural vegetation from millions of years ago, and can contain both organic and inorganic elements. Coal burning releases emissions like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and heavy metals such as mercury into the air. A buildup of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere can trap much of the sun's heat, causing the climate to get warmer. Carbon dioxide emissions are one of the primary causes of global warming.

Effects on the Food Web

• Mercury emissions through coal burning will settle in lakes and rivers, contaminating fish, and poisoning animals that hunt in waters. Microorganisms may convert mercury into methyl-mercury, a neurotoxin that is hazardous to animals. Many of these animals exposed to high levels of mercury may die of poison or experience harmful effects to their nervous systems.

Acid Rain

• Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are two substances found in coal, and when released, link to water molecules in the atmosphere, causing a mixing of these two toxins in the rain called acid rain. When acid rain penetrates the soil, it dissolves many of the nutrients needed for plants and trees to grow. Acid rain also can contain toxic metals that damage plant and tree leaves. Fish are also harmed when acid rain hits bodies of water, as the fish are not able to thrive in very acidic waters.

Air Pollutants and Health

• Many of the airborne toxins released by coal burning are hazardous to animals, plants and humans when inhaled. People who are exposed to a coal-polluted environment run the risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular health issues, such as lung disease and congestive heart failure. The toxins also affect the nervous system, decreasing a person's intellectual ability.