GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Coal and fuel oil combustion emit fly ash particles into the atmosphere, which contribute to air pollution problems. Upon burning, coal produces a number of gaseous byproducts, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and methane gas, all of which contribute to global climate change.

Detailed explanation-2: -When coal is burned, it releases a number of airborne toxins and pollutants. They include mercury, lead, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, and various other heavy metals.

Detailed explanation-3: -Along with adding to greenhouse gas pollution, burning coal emits toxic and carcinogenic substances into our air, water and land, severely affecting the health of miners, workers and surrounding communities.

Detailed explanation-4: -Chemically, coal is mostly carbon, which, when burned, reacts with oxygen in the air to produce carbon dioxide, a heat-trapping gas. When released into the atmosphere, carbon dioxide works like a blanket, warming the earth above normal limits.

Detailed explanation-5: -The environmental impact of mining includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil, groundwater, surface water by chemicals which are released by mining processes.