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- Campaign Home:
Coal Ash Contaminates Our Lives - Interactive Map:
In Harm's Way: Coal Ash-Contaminated Sites - Interactive Map: State Fact Sheets on Coal Ash
- Video Feature:
An Ill Wind - Video:
North Carolina Fights Back Coal Ash Pollution - Slideshow Feature: Little Blue Run: Living with Lies and Coal Ash
- Interactive Graphic: Health Impacts of Coal Ash Contaminants
- Infographic: Safe Drinking Water Standards
- Publications:
Reports on Coal Ash - Latest News on Coal Ash: Tr-Ash Talk
- Interactive Graphic:
The Story of Coal - Return to Earthjustice Campaign Center
Health Impacts of Coal Ash Contaminants
Using Coal Ash Man
Mouseover the various toxicants (above) to reveal quick facts.
Lead
Known Risks
Exposure to lead can result in brain swelling, kidney disease, cardiovascular problems, nervous system damage, and even death. It is accepted that there is no safe level of lead exposure, particularly for children.
Organs affected
Brain, Spine, Lungs, Heart, Kidneys, and Intestines.
Mid-Pacific
Quick facts:
Office Information:
223 South King Street, Suite 400
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 599-2436
Mercury
Known Risks
Mercury poses particular risk to children infants, and fetuses. Impacts include nervouse system damage and developmental defects like reduced IQ and mental retardation.
Organs affected
Brain and Spine.
Arsenic
Known Risks
Ingestion of arsenic can lead to nervous system damage, cardiovascular issues, and urinary tract cancers. Inhalation and absorption through the skin can result in lung cancer and skin cancer, respectively.
Organs affected
Lungs, Heart, and Spine.
Chromium
Known Risks
Ingestion of chromium can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers, anemia, and stomach cancer. Frequent inhalation can cause asthma, wheezing, and lung cancer.
Organs affected
Lungs, Stomach, and Intestines.
Florida
Quick facts:
Office Information:
111 South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 681-0031
International
Quick facts:
Office Information:
426 17th St, 7th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 550-6700
Boron
Known Risks
Inhalation of boron can lead over the short-term to eye, nose, and throat irritation. Ingestion of large amounts, however, can result in damage to the testes, intestines, liver, kidneys, and brain, and eventually lead to death.
Organs affected
Kidneys and Intestines.
Selenium
Known Risks
Selenium is used in many bodily functions, but deficiencies or excesses can be bad for one's health. Excess intake of selenium can result in a host of neurological effects, including imparied vision and paralysis, and even death.
Organs affected
Spine.
More Resources On Coal Ash:
unEARTHED: Tr-Ash Talk
Read the latest on coal ash in the headlines and in the halls of Congress, through our blog series "Tr-Ash Talk."
The weekly blog posts are brought to you by Earthjustice's Lisa Evans, Raviya Ismail, and guest bloggers.
An Ill Wind Blows
The Moapa River Indian Reservation, tribal home of the Moapa Band of Paiutes, sits about 30 miles north of Las Vegas. If the conditions are just wrong, coal ash picks up from Reid Gardner and moves across the desert like a toxic sandstorm. The film An Ill Wind tells the Paiute Indians' story.
Coal Ash: The Toxic Threat To Our Health and Environment
A ground-breaking study by Earthjustice and Physicians for Social Responsibility found that the water and air in 34 states are being poisoned by coal ash—creating major health risks for both children and adults.
Coal Ash: State By State
Across the U.S., there are more than 500 coal ash dump sites. Explore an interactive map with detailed analysis on these sites and the risks associated with them.