Coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal for energy, has long been a source of environmental and health concerns. Recent research and advocacy efforts highlight the growing risks associated with its improper management, particularly for communities living near disposal sites. As climate change intensifies, the dangers of coal ash pollution are becoming increasingly urgent, with studies linking exposure to serious health issues, including cancer, neurological damage, and developmental problems in children.
The Health Risks of Coal Ash Exposure
For over a decade, environmental advocates and researchers have sounded the alarm about the health impacts of coal ash. Cassel, a long-time activist in this space, has witnessed firsthand how climate-driven events like heavy rainfall and hurricanes exacerbate the risks. Communities near coal ash dumps report elevated cancer rates, prompting questions about the long-term safety of these sites.
Dr. Kristina Zierold, a professor at the University of Mississippi, has dedicated years to studying the effects of coal ash on children. Her 2015 National Institutes of Health-funded research found that children exposed to coal ash are more likely to experience depression and poor academic performance. “If a child performs poorly in school, that can have cascading effects through adulthood,” Zierold explained. “Depression in children can lead to social withdrawal, learning difficulties, and, in severe cases, suicide.”
The 2008 Kingston Fossil Plant Spill: A Cautionary Tale
The 2008 Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill in Tennessee remains one of the worst industrial disasters in U.S. History. Over 1 billion gallons of coal ash sludge overflowed from a containment pond, burying homes, contaminating waterways, and leaving a lasting environmental scar. Brianna Knisley, director of public power campaigns at Appalachian Voices, criticized the lack of federal oversight, noting that cleanup workers were denied protective gear and told the ash was “clean enough to eat.”
“The Tennessee Valley Authority did not immediately respond to questions about this incident,” Knisley said. “This is coal ash management without strong federal regulation, and enforcement. States and utilities are not going to keep communities safe.”
Communities as ‘Sacrifice Zones’
Angie Mummaw, an organizer with Appalachian Voices and a resident near the Cumberland Fossil Plant in Tennessee, described her community as a “sacrifice zone.” She highlighted instances where coal ash was used to fill playgrounds and ball fields, exposing children to toxic dust. “We’re tired of being treated as expendable while the coal industry asks for permanent loopholes,” Mummaw said.
Research by Zierold and her team involved air pollution and dust sampling in homes, as well as neurobehavioral testing of children aged 6 to 14. Their findings underscore the need for stricter regulations and better enforcement to protect vulnerable populations.
Call for Federal Action and Accountability
Advocates argue that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must take a stronger role in regulating coal ash. Currently, coal ash is classified as a non-hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, allowing utilities to manage it with minimal oversight. Environmental groups are pushing for reclassification to ensure safer disposal practices and hold polluters accountable.
“The EPA made the record,” Cassel said, referring to the agency’s history of lax enforcement. “It’s time for a paradigm shift to prioritize public health over industry interests.”
FAQ: Understanding Coal Ash Pollution
What is coal ash? Coal ash is the residue left after coal is burned for electricity. It contains heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury, which can leach into soil and water.
How does coal ash affect health? Exposure to coal ash has been linked to cancer, neurological damage, respiratory issues, and developmental problems in children. Long-term exposure to contaminated dust or water increases these risks.
What is the role of the EPA? The EPA regulates coal ash under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. However, advocates argue that current standards are insufficient to protect public health and the environment.
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy, and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here.