Burning Coal And Toxic Air Pollution

Burning coal is also a leading cause of smog, acid rain, and toxic air pollution. Some emissions can be significantly reduced with readily available pollution controls, but most U.S. coal plants have not installed these technologies. Coal plants are the United States’ leading source of Sulfur dioxide pollution, which takes a major toll on public health, including by contributing to the formation of small acidic particulates that can penetrate into human lungs and be absorbed by the bloodstream. Sulfur dioxide also causes acid rain, which damages crops, forests, and soils, and acidifies lakes and