Mercury & Soot

Dirty coal-fired power plants are the largest source of man-made mercury emissions in the United States. The mercury emitted ends up in fish that people eat. Once in the human body, mercury acts as a neurotoxin, interfering with the brain and nervous system. Exposure to mercury is particularly hazardous for developing fetuses and small children. More than 13 million lake-acres and 750 thousand river-miles in the United States are subject to fish consumption advisories due to mercury contamination.

Coal plants also emit soot and soot-forming pollutants, which can cause asthma attacks, heart disease and other health problems, shortening the lives of nearly 24,000 Americans each year. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the effects of soot.