• UGI USER
  • Jun 27, 2024
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SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES DUE TO COAL MINING

Why in the news?

  • A survey by the National Foundation for India highlights severe health issues due to prolonged exposure to coal mining pollutants in six districts across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
  • It reveals widespread respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and skin ailments like eczema and fungal infections among mine workers and residents.
Source: Clevenland

Pollutants due to Coal mining:

  • Coal mining activities release significant quantities of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
  • These emissions are major contributors to the formation of smog, acid rain, and air pollution.
Black lung disease

  • Black lung disease, also known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), is a chronic and potentially fatal lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust.
  • It primarily affects coal miners and other workers exposed to coal dust over extended periods.
  • The disease leads to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue, reducing lung function and causing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and eventually respiratory failure.
  • Severe cases can result in disability and premature death.