Living near coal mines increases risks
For decades, people living in coal mining communities have complained that the mining poisons the air and water, and make them sick. A new study just released from Washington State University provides scientific evidence to prove their point. Researchers surveyed more than 16,000 West Virginians and looked at coal production data and mortality rates in eight coal-producing states to find out what impact coal mining has on health. They found the risk of kidney disease 70 percent higher for people who live in West Virginia mining communities. They also found higher rates for the risk of emphysema and lung disease. People living in mining communities were more likely to report high blood pressure, and they were more likely to die prematurely.
The study found that smoking, poverty, and poor education contributed to the region’s health problems. But after taking these things into consideration, incidence of disease and death were still higher in coal mining communities.
University researchers said that although people have complained for decades that coal pollution harms health, this is the first study to provide scientific evidence for those claims.
Health effects of coal mining plague much of the East and Southeast, The study found rates of premature death suggesting that higher rates of disease risk from coal mining also holds true for Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, Alabama, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
As we progress toward more efficiency and clean, renewable energy to solve the global warming and energy crisis, we will be making the planet a healthier place to live.