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Public Health Services
A Shared Service of
Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA)
&
Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority (GASHA)
Learning Objectives
Review terms coal and coal ashDiscuss the health effects of coal ashReview coal ash: Removal, Storage and
DisposalReview actions for reducing exposure to
coal Ash
Coal Description Coal is a combustible rock formed from the
remains of plant life, mostly made up of carbon- fossil fuel
Coal made up of a wide variety of minerals and can be classified into 4 categories:
1. Anthracite (BC) 2. Bituminous Coal (NS) 3. Subbituminous 4. Lignite
Coal Is Used ForIn Canada, about18% of our electricity is generated by the combustion of coal
Electricity
Coal Is Used For
In the past, many people used coal to cook food and heat their homes
Sharp decline in domestic use since 1960’s
There are still a few communities who use coal to heat homes
Coal Ash
Depending on the type of coal used and how it was burned,coal ash may contain small amounts of harmful substances
Coal Ash May Contain the Following Substances:
ArsenicLeadChloridesMercurySulfates
BoronTitaniumBariumNickelThallium
Coal Ash Harmful to People Plants and Animals
Some people use coal on lawns and gardens as fertilizer
Some people store coal ash in the back yard to be used on slippery driveways and steps during winter months
How Are We Exposed?
Food Contaminants in coal
ash can be taken up through the roots of vegetables and fruit plants
How Are We Exposed?
WaterContaminants
from coal ash seep into the soil and are then washed into groundwater and basements
How Are We Exposed?
Breathe it in People can breathe
in dust particles when removing coal ash from stoves or when stoves are not properly ventilated
Reduce Children’s Exposure To Coal Ash
Children’s play activities and hand-to- mouth behaviors put them at greater risk
Do not dump ashes around your home
Plant grass or plants over bare soil
Reduce Children’s Exposure to Coal Ash Particles
If you think your yard may have coal ash in it have the soil tested
Have coal ash removed from your yard by a qualified professional
Have well water tested for contaminants found in coal ash like lead & arsenic
Reduce Children’s Exposure To Coal Ash
Children should wash their hands before eating and after playing outside
Coal Ash Removal Cover your mouth
with a dust mask or handkerchief when moving coal ash
Vacuum, damp mop and dust with damp cloth often if you use coal to heat your home
Coal Ash Storage Do not put coal ash in
the garbage too soon or spread it over the yard
Ashes should be stored in an approved, fire resistant pail.
Store Coal Ash on a concrete, brick or slate surface, not a wooden porch or step
Fire Resistant Pail The pail should be
made from sheet metal
The bottom of the pail must be elevated so only the outer rim makes contact with a surface
The pail should have a large handle for easy carrying and a lid that fits tightly