Mortality risk from breathing coal exhaust was much greater than the risk posed by inhaling fine particulates from other sources, researchers concluded. In short:Despite a big decrease in deaths associated with coal burning, coal pollution is particularly lethal and remains a significant health threat. In a new study, areas with more airborne coal particulates were found to have more than double the risk of death compared to other pollutants. — Dr. Emily Johnson, Environmental Health ExpertWhy this matters:Coal pollution's ongoing global health threat, particularly for vulnerable populations, reinforces the call for more stringent environmental policies and a rapid transition to cleaner energy sources. Find out more: EHN's Kristina Marusic recently reported on how protesters confronted coal and steel executives about their industries' contributions to poor health in western Pennsylvania.

Source: ABC News December 01, 2023 02:50 UTC