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Toxic Chemicals in Coal Ash WasteWhen coal is burned to produce electric power the remaining ash residue contains a witch's brew of toxic chemicals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") is currently reviewing its position on coal ash waste and its effect on humans. Current guidance calls for coal burning waste disposal in clay-lined landfills to protect groundwater from becoming contaminated. Workers who come into contact with the ash before or after it is mixed with liquid (and sometimes pressed into so-called "rock ash") protect themselves with respirators, face masks, gloves and protective apparel. But residents of Arroyo Barril and Samana Province, whose simple houses are open to prevailing winds, had no such protections as they went about their daily activities. Millions of pounds of the material illegally dumped on their beach reached everywhere. Among chemicals in toxic ash:Arsenic. The adverse health effects caused as a result of exposure to arsenic include: reproductive abnormalities, birth defects and increased frequency of spontaneous abortions; cancer; cardiovascular disorders; gastrointestinal disorders; kidney damage; liver damage; neurological damage; pulmonary damage; respiratory problems and hematologic disorders. » See http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/cabs/arsenic Beryllium. The adverse health effects caused as a result of beryllium exposure include: scarring of the lungs, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, night sweats, blood in the sputum, rapid heartbeat and lung cancer. » See http://www.elcosh.org/en/document/560/d000542/beryllium-fact-sheet.html Cadmium. The adverse health effects caused as a result of exposure to cadmium include: reproductive abnormalities, birth defects, cancer, severe lung damage; kidney disease; emphysema; and death. » See http://www.toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=63 Chromium. The adverse health effects caused as a result of exposure to chromium include: damage to liver function, kidney function, circulatory disorders and nerve tissue damage. » See http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/pdfs/factsheets/ioc/tech/chromium.pdf Lead. The adverse health effects caused as a result of exposure to lead include: reproductive abnormalities, birth defects, congenital anomalies, chromosomal anomalies, miscarriage; renal damage; cerebrovascular diseases; nervous system and peripheral nervous system disorders; delayed neurodevelopment; and damaged cognition. » See http://www.lead.org.au/fs/fst7.html Mercury. The adverse health effects caused as a result of exposure to mercury include: reproductive abnormalities, birth defects; nervous system damage, permanent brain damage, and kidney damage. » See http://www.astdr.cdc.gov/tfacts46.html Nickel. The adverse health effects caused as a result of exposure to nickel include: reproductive abnormalities, lung cancer, damage to kidney, respiratory and immune systems; respiratory tract irritation and immune alterations such as dermatitis and asthma. » See http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/html/nickel.html Vanadium. The adverse health effects caused as a result of exposure to vanadium include: reproductive abnormalities and birth defects; lung damage; kidney damage; throat damage and eye injuries. Acute exposure symptoms include lung, throat and eye irritation. |