Is coal a major source of mercury emissions in the U.S.?
According to EPA, Coal-burning power plants are the largest human-caused source of mercury emissions to the air in the United States, accounting for over 40 percent of all domestic human-caused mercury emissions.[6] Approximately 75 tons of mercury are found in the coal delivered to U.S. power plants each year and about two thirds of this mercury is emitted to the air, resulting in about 50 tons being emitted annually. Mercury is deposited to the earths surface through rain or snow, and then fish take in mercury through a process of bioaccumulation. People and animals are mainly exposed to mercury when they eat fish that has been exposed to mercury. The effects of mercury exposure can be severe. Mercury can affect the nervous system; fetuses, infants, and children are the most sensitive to mercury exposure.
Related Questions
- Mercury emissions from coal burning powerplants are being regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the States. Will the IPFC improve on mercury emissions?
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- Is coal a major source of mercury emissions in the U.S.?
