Coal Is Hazardous to Your Health

Coal-fired power plants threaten the environment and your health.

Burning coal releases enormous amounts of harmful pollutants into our environment, often with serious health consequences. In addition to the staggering amounts of greenhouse gases and tons of mercury released into the air, disposal methods for the waste left at the bottom of the stacks presents a serious threat to ground and surface waters -- and the people who rely on these sources for safe drinking water. To protect our families and communities from the dangers of burning goal, we must move away from dirty coal-based energy. These NRDC publications describe the health hazards of our continued reliance on coal.