Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Many current fires are in remote areas of developing countries with limited health-care facilities;
The health problems may be masked by other health issues in these generally poor coal-mining communities;
The health problems may, indeed, be rare.
Finkelman (2004) recommends that researchers be aware of the potential health problems and clinical symptoms
that can be caused by burning coal beds and waste banks. Any indication of health problems should be brought to
the attention of the proper health officials.
The only solution to this cycle of environmental devastation and threat to human safety and health is vigorous
efforts to extinguish existing fires and concerted efforts to prevent the inevitable coal fires from getting out of hand.
Though initially costly, these measures may prove to be cost effective by preserving valuable coal resources,
preventing degradation of large swaths of land, avoiding air and water pollution, reducing CO
2
and other green-
house gas emissions, saving public property and local infrastructure, and reducing health-care costs while
increasing worker productivity. All in all, a fair trade for the elimination of a phenomenon totally devoid of
societal value.
Important Terms
arsenosis (hyperkeratosis)
gob piles
climate change
greenhouse gases
clinker
human-health impacts
culm banks
minerals
creosote (coal tar)
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
environmental impacts
toxic elements
fluorosis
toxic gases
References
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