Proximity to coal-fired power plants and neurobehavioral symptoms in children

Zhang, Charlie H.; Sears, Lonnie; Myers, John C.; Brock, Guy; Sears, Clara G.; Zierold, Kristina M.

doi:10.1038/s41370-021-00369-7

Cited by 25 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 68 publications

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“…Unexpectedly, Cox regression showed that the association between coal use and the risk of childhood stunting was not significant during follow-up, although several studies have confirmed the effect of coal on the health status of children ( 43 – 45 ). We thought that it might be related to a much lower use of coal than biofuels in this study, and the inadequate sample size of coal use.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Household air pollution and childhood stunting in China: A prospective cohort study

Yang

et al. 2022

Front. Public Health

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BackgroundExposure to air pollution, especially indoor air pollution, was associated with an increased risk of childhood stunting. However, few longitudinal studies have explored the long-term impacts of indoor air pollution from household solid fuel use on child growth. We aimed to investigate the association between household air pollution (HAP) from solid fuel use and childhood stunting in Chinese children.MethodThe longitudinal data from the Chinese Family Panel Study over 2010–2018 were included in this study with a total of 6,013 children aged 0–15 years enrolled at baseline. Exposure to HAP was measured as solid fuel use for cooking, while solid fuel was defined as coal and firewood/straw according to the questionnaire survey. Stunting was defined as−2SD below the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of the reference children. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying exposures were employed to estimate the association between childhood stunting and HAP exposure.ResultsAt baseline, children with exposure to HAP from combusting solid fuels had a relatively higher risk of stunting [OR (95%CI): 1.42 (1.24–1.63)]. Among children without stunning at baseline, those living in households with solid fuel use had a higher stunting risk over an 8-year follow-up [HR (95%CI): 2.05 (1.64–2.57)]. The risk of childhood stunting was increased for those with HAP exposure from firewood/straw combustion or with longer exposure duration [HR (95%CI): 2.21 (1.74–2.79) and 3.01 (2.23–4.08), respectively]. Meanwhile, this risk was significantly decreased among children from households switching from solid fuels to clean fuels [HR (95%CI): 0.53 (0.39–0.70)]. Solid fuel use was suggested to be a mediator of the relationship between poor socioeconomic factors (i.e., household income and parental education level) and childhood stunning, with a mediation effect ranging from 11.25 to 14.26%.ConclusionsHAP exposure from solid fuel use was associated with childhood stunting. Poor parental education and low household income might be socioeconomic factors contributing to solid fuel use. Therefore, household energy policies to facilitate access to clean fuels are urgently needed, especially for low-income and low-educated households.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Household air pollution and childhood stunting in China: A prospective cohort study

Yang

et al. 2022

Front. Public Health

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“…In addition to air, fugitive emissions can contaminate the soil in the area immediately surrounding the power plant, , as well as areas as far away as 30 km . 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 …”

Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Deonarine

Schwartz

Ruhl

2023

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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On-site solid-waste impoundments, landfills, and receiving water bodies have served as long-term disposal sites for coal combustion residuals (CCRs) across the United States for decades and collectively contain billions of tons of CCR material. CCR components include fine particulate material, minerals, and trace elements such as mercury, arsenic, selenium, lead, etc., which can have deleterious effects on ecosystem functioning and public health. Effects on communities can occur through consumption of drinking water, fish, and other aquatic organisms. The structural failure of impoundments, water infiltration, leakage from impoundments due to poor construction and monitoring, and CCR effluent discharges to water bodies have in the past resulted in harmful environmental impacts. Moreover, the risks posed by CCRs are present to this day, as coal continues to account for 11% of the energy production in the United States. In this Critical Review, the legacy of CCR disposal and the concomitant risks posed to public health and ecosystems are assessed. The resiliency of CCR disposal sites in the context of increased frequency and intensity of storm events and other hazards, such as floods and earthquakes, is also evaluated. We discuss the current state of knowledge on the environmental fate of CCRderived elements, as well as advances in and limitations of analytical tools, which can improve the current understanding of CCR environmental impacts in order to mitigate the associated risks. An assessment of the 2015 Coal Ash Final Rule is also presented, along with needs to improve monitoring of CCR disposal sites and regulatory enforcement.

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“…The coal power plants’ associated health issues have been widely discussed. Zhang et al, ( 2022 ) described there has been a significant relationship between the proximity to the coal power plant and neurobehavioral problems (e.g., social problems, affective problems, and anxiety problems) among kids through a study of two coal power plants (Cane Run and Milk Creek power plants) in Kentucky, USA.…”

Section: Socio-environmental Vulnerability To Environmental Pollution...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A local perspective of the socio-environmental vulnerability to environmental pollution and economic crises: a case of locals around a coal power plant in Sri Lanka

Jayasinghe

2023

Environ Dev Sustain

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People are vulnerable to increasing environmental pollution and unprecedented economic changes in countries like Sri Lanka. Development projects such as coal power plants have exaggerated the vulnerability of the communities to the threats of environmental pollution coupled with economic crises. This study is to present the concurrent socio-environmental issues related to the largest power plant in Sri Lanka—the Norochcholai coal power plant (NCPP). The vulnerability of the communities to environmental pollution due to the coal power plant and the prevailing economic crisis was studied. Results revealed that communities are extremely exposed to threats and are highly sensitive to poverty and yet they have no adequate sets of strategies to cope and/or adapt to threats or increase their resilience. This study suggests a human-centric approach focused on sustainable and autonomous adaptation strategies for the communities in the vicinity of the NCPP and to address their rising vulnerability to the impacts for both the NCPP and the prevailing economic crisis.

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Proximity to coal-fired power plants and neurobehavioral symptoms in children

Cited by 25 publications

References 68 publications

Household air pollution and childhood stunting in China: A prospective cohort study

Household air pollution and childhood stunting in China: A prospective cohort study

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

A local perspective of the socio-environmental vulnerability to environmental pollution and economic crises: a case of locals around a coal power plant in Sri Lanka

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