What kinds of pollution do coal-fired power plants create?
Smokestack emissions from coal-fired power plants are the primary source of mercury pollution in the U.S. Every year, coal-fired power plants release 48 tons of mercury nationwide. Coal plants are also the largest contributor of toxic air pollutants, and release about 50% of particle pollution. Particle pollution puts millions of Americans each year at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes, respiratory illness, and asthma, according to the American Lung Association. Coal-fired power plants emit 59% of total U.S. sulfur dioxide pollution and 18% of total nitrogen oxides every year. Power plants also release over 40% of total U.S. C02 emissions, a key contributor to global warming.
