Health Impacts of Coal-Fired Power Plants. Reuben Andrew Muni Climate and Energy Campaigner Greenpeace Southeast Asia Philippines

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1 Health Impacts of Coal-Fired Power Plants Reuben Andrew Muni Climate and Energy Campaigner Greenpeace Southeast Asia Philippines

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3 Coal-Fired Power Plants in PH Trends indicate that coal s role in the country s energy mix is growing, not receding. A National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) data indicates that in 2008, the total percentage for power generation for coal was 25.89%, while in 2011 it had increased to 36.63%.

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6 The truth about coal Each stage of the coal lifecycle mining, transportation, washing, combustion, and disposing of post-combustion wastes negatively affects health, with the heaviest burden of disease on children, women, and the poor.

7 The truth about coal Coal combustion is a major threat to public health because it releases particulate matter (PM), or a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets, in the air. The size of the particles is directly linked to their health effects, with particles 10 micrometers (µm) or smaller in diameter considered as more harmful because these can enter the lungs. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Particulate Matter. Retrieved from www3.epa.gov/airquality/particlepollution/index.html.

8 The truth about coal Figure 1: Comparison of fine particle matter size

9 The truth about coal Coal-fired power plants emit sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen oxide (NO 2 ) and other gaseous pollutants in the air that can react chemically to form particulate matter that is 2.5 µm in diameter. PM 2.5 is categorized as a fine particle and is smaller than 1/25 th of the diameter of human hair. These particles are small enough to penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, and cause a wide range of diseases. Greenpeace (2015). Human Cost of Coal Power: How coal-fired power plants threaten the health of Indonesians

10 The truth about coal Exposure to PM 2. 5 increases the risk of diseases and can reduce life expectancy. Long-term exposure to PM 2.5 has been associated with an increased risk of cardiopulmonary mortality by 6 to 13 percent per 10 µg/m 3 of PM 2.5. A study in Europe also showed that exposure to PM 2.5 reduces life expectancy by an average of 8.6 months.

11 The truth about coal The same study revealed that bringing down the levels of PM 2.5 to the WHO guideline of 10 µg/m 3 could increase life expectancy by approximately 20 months.

12 The truth about coal In 2014, the Harvard University Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group conducted a Greenpeace-commissioned study of the Philippines utilizing the impact pathway approach which follows air pollution from emissions to the total health impacts on the population. About 2,400 Filipinos will die from coalrelated air pollution every year.

13 The truth about coal

14 Coal and climate change Coal emits more carbon per unit of energy than oil, and 80% more than natural gas. Coal accounts for 43% of global emissions released annually from fossil-fuel combustion, with 28% emitted from coalfired power plants (2.7 billion tons every year).

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16 Coal and climate change Coal-fired power plants, which are the largest producers of man-made CO 2 emissions, contribute to the increase of greenhouse gases (GHG) building up in the atmosphere.

17 Coal and the Environment

18 Thank you!