Deaths From Coal Pollution Have Dropped, but Emissions May Be Twice as Deadly

Coal, known as the dirtiest of fossil fuels, poses a greater threat to human health than previously believed. The report indicates that coal emissions are associated with double the mortality risk compared to fine airborne particles from other sources.

The study, published in the journal Science, examined data from 480 coal power plants between 1999 and 2020. By using atmospheric modeling, the researchers tracked the conversion of sulfur dioxide into particulate matter and its dispersion through wind patterns. They then analyzed millions of Medicare patient deaths by ZIP code.

The study found that areas with higher levels of airborne coal particulates had higher death rates. While the exact causes of death could not be identified, the statistical model demonstrated a clear correlation between coal pollution and mortality.

The researchers identified 138 coal plants that contributed to at least 1,000 excess deaths, with 10 plants linked to over 5,000 deaths each.

Inhaling fine particles from coal exhaust, known as P.M. 2.5, was found to be particularly deadly.

The study also emphasized the significant progress made in reducing deaths attributable to coal plant emissions. The closure of coal plants in the United States and the installation of scrubbers in smokestacks resulted in a decrease of over 95% in deaths among Medicare recipients. The number of deaths dropped from approximately 50,000 per year in 1999 to 1,600 in 2020.

The lead author of the study, Lucas Henneman, an assistant professor in environmental engineering at George Mason University, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in addressing coal pollution.

The study also provides an online tool that shows deaths attributed to individual coal-fired power plants.

Dr. Henneman highlighted the importance of addressing coal pollution, stating that it resulted in premature deaths and reduced life expectancy. The installation of scrubbers in coal-fired power plants has been a game changer for public health, significantly reducing the level of coal P.M. 2.5 in the air.

While coal use is declining in the United States, it is increasing globally. However, renewable energy sources are projected to become the largest source of electricity production by 2025.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the health benefits associated with transitioning away from fossil fuels. Other studies have shown that reducing the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, leads to improved health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

For example, a study conducted in California found that an increase in zero emission vehicles correlated with a decrease in asthma-related emergency room visits. Similarly, the closure of coal-fired plants in Chicago resulted in a significant decrease in asthma-related emergency room visits for young children.

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new rules to limit pollutants emitted by power plants, which could result in substantial climate and health benefits. Stronger regulations on airborne particles could lead to a 7% reduction in death rates for marginalized communities that have long been exposed to high levels of pollution.