Toxic substances from coal energy: an overview.

Environmental concerns over increased coal consumption are fully justified by the past history of coal use. Although improved technology has provided some safeguards, increased utilization will require mining practices, emission control technologies, and waste disposal procedures that are not yet fully integrated into the routine use of the coal energy system. The Committee on Health and Evnironmental Effects of Increased Coal Utilization identified six critical environmental issues which are of concern: coal mine worker health and safety, reclamation of arid lands from surface mining, the health effects of coal combustion products, toxic trace elements in coal combustion wastes, acid fallout, and global effects of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This presentation addresses the first four of these issues.