Health and environmental implications of trace metals released from coal-fired power plants: an assessment study of the situation in the European Community.

In the European Community (EC) the anticipated increased use of coal for power production will lead to an increase in the release of trace metals into the environment. This release seems unlikely to cause toxicological effects through the food chain, but there may be a possibility of a direct impact on man through inhalation. There are, however, many areas of uncertainty which need to be clarified by further research before a definitive assessment can be made.