How does coal affect air pollution?

Coal plants are the world’s top source of carbon dioxide emissions, which is the primary cause of global warming. An average coal plant generates 3.5 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. Burning coal significantly leads to smog, acid rain and toxic air pollution. In an article about coal it was said that air pollution kills more Australians than car accidents. In 2013-14 the coal industry was responsible for 43,000 tonnes of coarse particle pollution.  Which according to NPI figures it is a contribution to 47% of the national total.

In NSW in particular, the Hunter Valley has one of the most polluting coal mines in Australia. Because of these coal mines the air we breathe in is polluted because of coal. Australia’s air quality is considered very good compared to other countries but it could be better. Also with the generations to come our population will increase and the air have to become better as well.

What are the causes of air pollution?

Whilst mining for coal, the methods that are involved to mine coal affect the air pollution. Drilling, blasting, collection and transportation are the major sources of emissions and air pollution. If coal is left in the ground it is able to catch on fire and mine fires are difficult to control, with burning decades or even centuries creating a major source of air pollution.

Effects of air pollution

The air we breathe in that is polluted by coal suspend high levels of particle matter which increases respiratory diseases including chronic bronchitis and asthma, while gaseous emissions contribute to respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebral problems. In coal in contains methane and a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, which releases into the atmosphere during mining. Deeper the mining hole the more methane it generates, although methane emissions depends on the mining methods, depth of coal mining, coal quality and entrapped gas content in coal seams.