Nail Samples of Children Living near Coal Ash Storage Facilities Suggest Fly Ash Exposure and Elevated Concentrations of Metal(loid)s

Abstract

Children who live near coal-fired power plants are exposed to coal fly ash, which is stored in landfills and surface impoundments near residential communities. Fly ash has the potential to be released as fugitive dust. Using data collected from 263 children living within 10 miles of coal ash storage facilities in Jefferson and Bullitt Counties, Kentucky, USA, we quantified the elements found in nail samples. Furthermore, using principal component analysis (PCA), we investigated whether metal­(loid)­s that are predominately found in fly ash loaded together to indicate potential exposure to fly ash. Concentrations of several neurotoxic metal­(loid)­s, such as chromium, manganese, and zinc, were higher than concentrations reported in other studies of both healthy and environmentally exposed children. From PCA, it was determined that iron, aluminum, and silicon in fly ash were found to load together in the nails of children living near coal ash storage facilities. These metal­(loid)­s were also highly correlated with each other. Last, results of geospatial analyses partially validated our hypothesis that children’s proximity to power plants was associated with elevated levels of concentrations of fly ash metal­(loid)­s in nails. Taken together, nail samples may be a powerful tool in detecting exposure to fly ash.

Environmental Impacts of Coal Combustion Residuals: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives

“…CCR air pollution is a known inhalation health hazard due to small airborne particulates (<0.25 μm diameter) and has been associated with higher morbidity and respiratory and cardiovascular disease. − A growing body of survey-based studies has shown that children living near power plants may experience increased respiratory problems and neurobehavioral disorders. − One recent study using direct measurements found an association between residence proximity to CCR disposal sites and the concentrations of Fe, Al, and silicon (Si) in children’s nails. The concentration of Cr, Mn, and zinc (Zn) in the children’s nails were also higher than literature-reported values for non-CCR exposed children …”

“…The concentration of Cr, Mn, and zinc (Zn) in the children's nails were also higher than literature-reported values for non-CCR exposed children. 164 More research using direct measurements are needed to quantify potential health impacts posed by CCRs. 160 This research should include direct measurements of soil, water, and contaminant body burdens.…”

Metal Exposures in Residents Living Near an Urban Oil Drilling Site in Los Angeles, California

“…A study by Zierold et al examined residents who lived within 10 miles (16 km—much larger than our study area) from a coal ash storage facility and used geospatial analysis to confirm that the participants with high iron (Fe), Al, and silicon (Si) (which loaded together in nails of children near coal ash storage facility, using PCA) lived closer to the coal ash storage facility. 74 A study of 39 children in Chicago observed higher toenail levels of Cd, Co, Fe, Mn, and V in children living near an industrial corridor than in children in a comparison community. 75 Future studies can build on this current study by examining metal concentrations in people near an oil drilling site and using a larger study radius or a control area.…”

“…Additionally, there are multiple other active and inactive oil drilling sites within 3 km of this study site, so we are unable to adequately assess variations in exposure, as participants living farther and/or upwind from this drill site might live a mile downwind from a different drill site. A study by Zierold et al examined residents who lived within 10 miles (16 kmmuch larger than our study area) from a coal ash storage facility and used geospatial analysis to confirm that the participants with high iron (Fe), Al, and silicon (Si) (which loaded together in nails of children near coal ash storage facility, using PCA) lived closer to the coal ash storage facility . A study of 39 children in Chicago observed higher toenail levels of Cd, Co, Fe, Mn, and V in children living near an industrial corridor than in children in a comparison community .…”

Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metal Exposure Concentrations and Volatile Organic Compound Metabolites among Residents in the Affected Area According to Residential Distance from a Coal-fired Power Plant

“…건강영 향 평가의 공간적 범위는 집단의 다양성 때문에 환경영향평가 의 대기 질, 악취 항목의 공간적 범위를 따르거나, 25) 개발사업 의 제한 범위를 참고로 하여 분석 범위를 정하는 경우가 많다. 국내 연구 사례의 경우 대기 및 산업 폐수로 환경오염물질이 노 출되는 광양만 산업단지 영향권을 5 km 이내로, 26) 대기 오염 을 통한 고농도 중금속에 노출되는 장항제련소는 4 km, 27) 대 기, 토양, 상수도 오염 등에 노출되는 포항 철강 산업단지는 15 km, 28) VOCs 대기 노출 지역인 청주 산단 영향권을 3 km 29) 로 분석하였으며 국외의 경우 비산재의 대기 오염 노출 영향을 받 는 석탄화력발전소 영향권을 발전소에서 2마일 간격으로 5개 구역으로 나누어 분석한 연구와 30) 매우 근거리(1 km 이하), 근 거리(1~3 km), 먼 거리(3~5 km)로 나누어 분석한 연구 31) 등 다 양한 사례가 있다.…”