The radionuclide content in coal from different deposits and ash-slag wastes from coal-burning thermal power plants (TPP) as well as in atmospheric emissions together with fly ash from TPP is analyzed. The problems of using coal with high content of naturally occurring radionuclides and methods for solving them at the Urtuiskii lignite deposit in Transbaikalia are illuminated. Data on the content of naturally occurring radionuclides in Transbaikalian coal and the weighted mean content of uranium and thorium in Siberian region coal are presented. Information on the radiation conditions near coal-burning TPP, the effect on the environment and public health is presented.