Protocol for measuring indoor exposure to coal fly ash and heavy metals, and neurobehavioural symptoms in children aged 6 to 14 years old

Abstract

IntroductionFly ash is a waste product generated from burning coal for electricity. It is comprised of spherical particles ranging in size from 0.1 µm to over 100 µm in diameter that contain trace levels of heavy metals. Large countries such as China and India generate over 100 million tons per year while smaller countries like Italy and France generate 2 to 3 million tons per year. The USA generates over 36 million tons of ash, making it one of the largest industrial waste streams in the nation. Fly ash is stored in landfills and surface impoundments exposing communities to fugitive dust and heavy metals that leach into the groundwater. Limited information exists on the health impact of exposure to fly ash. This protocol represents the first research to assess children’s exposure to coal fly ash and neurobehavioural outcomes.MethodsWe measure indoor exposure to fly ash and heavy metals, and neurobehavioural symptoms in children aged 6 to 14 years old. Using air pollution samplers and lift tape samples, we collect particulate matter ≤10 µm that is analysed for fly ash and heavy metals. Toenails and fingernails are collected to assess body burden for 72 chemical elements. Using the Behavioural Assessment and Research System and the Child Behaviour Checklist, we collect information on neurobehavioural outcomes. Data collection began in September 2015 and will continue until February 2021.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the University of Louisville (#14.1069) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (#300003807). We have collected data from 267 children who live within 10 miles of two power plants. Children are at a greater risk for environmental exposure which justifies the rationale for this study. Results of this study will be distributed at conferences, in peer-reviewed journals and to the participants of the study.

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

“…Details of the location and power plants have been described. 53 Recruitment methods have been described. 54 In brief, to recruit participants that were representative of the study area population, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) methods, similar to those of Allpress et al (2008), were used.…”

“…Jefferson County, Kentucky is home to two power plants (The Cane Run Generating Station and The Mill Creek Generating Station) with coal ash storage facilities that are located within 10 miles of each other. Details of the location and power plants have been described . Recruitment methods have been described .…”

Mud-Based Construction Material: Promising Properties of French Gravel Wash Mud Mixed with Byproducts, Seashells and Fly Ash as a Binder

“…Indeed, FA has been extensively used as a binder and is a residue originating from coal-fired power plants. France generates around 3 million of FA annually [ 30 ]. The properties of FA, such as low permeability, low specific gravity and a high internal friction angle, lead to an increase in the earth bearing capacity and reduces its compressibility and settlement [ 27 , 29 ].…”

Physico-chemical characterization of indoor settled dust in Children's microenvironments in Ikeja and Ota, Nigeria

“…Soot particles in this location are largely emitted from automobile discharge and incomplete combustion of diesel and fuel oil used in powering generators [ 16 , 31 ]. Also, a previous study on the exposure of fly ash in children's homes by Zierold et al [ 32 ] describes fly ash particles as being smoothly spherical and characterized by silicon, sulphur, potassium, calcium and iron [ 33 ]. The soot particles indicated in Pietras's [ 14 ] work had elongated and branched shapes that are different from this study's micrograph.…”