The research was conducted by Clean Air Task Force (CATF) and it mainly addresses the air-pollution problem within America. Some figures show in the report that the death rate and disease rate in America are on the rise due to the increasingly serious air pollution issue both in the city and regional areas.

Coal-fired power plants have many negative effects on the environment such as global warming, ozone smog, acid rain and regional haze. Among these negative effects, the most relevant to the community public health is the fine particle pollution. With long-term exposure, the population has a higher chance of dying from cardiac and respiratory diseases and lung cancer.

In America, the number of national coal-fired power plants is around 500. Studies have shown that coal-fired power plants contribute to premature deaths, heart attacks, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and workdays vacancy.

CATF conducted an analysis of coal-fired power plants with the help of Abt Associates. Abt Associates developed estimates of health impacts using a well-established and extensively peer-reviewed methodology. The graphs, findings and estimates in CATF’s study report were approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Science Advisory Board and the National Academy of Science (NAS).

Results from this latest assessment indicate that although coal plant emissions of key particle-forming pollutants like sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have declined significantly over the last several years, existing plants remain among the top contributors to fine particle pollution in the United States. As a result, their emissions continue to take a significant toll on the health and longevity of millions of Americans.

Figures included in this report take into account the reduction of emission since 2004 and compare it with 2010 projections.

CATF emphasise that reducing air pollution is not only good for public health, but is also beneficial for the whole national economy. First, the techniques used to control emissions introduce new jobs in the flue gas desulfurisation industry. Second, improved public health indicates that the economy will become more prosperous.

CATF point out that to strengthen and finalise the proposed Transport Rule to replace the judicially invalidated Clean Air Interstate Rule, the EPA found that there are large-scale epidemiological events of higher premature death and cardiopulmonary ailments in areas with coal-fired power plants compared to areas without.

This research addresses the air pollution issue in the US and highlights the strategies and projects CATF are involving in.

1. Among all industrial sources of air pollution, none poses greater risks to human health and the environment than coal-fired power plants.
2. Residents who live near, or are downwind (sometimes hundreds of miles) of the biggest coal plants suffer high mortality impacts, and other health impacts.
3. The pollution control industry requires labour and specific skills, which may increase employment opportunities and benefit the economy.
4. Reducing mercury and greenhouse gas emissions provide a host of benefits in the health and longevity of millions of Americans.
5. Although coal plant emissions of key particle-forming pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have declined significantly over the last several years, existing plants remain among the top contributors to fine particle pollution in the United States.
6. Emissions from coalfired power plants contribute to global warming, ozone smog, acid rain, regional haze, and fine particle pollution.
7. Investors should consider the risks from coalfired power plants including climate change risk and health issues.