What Are the Dangers of Fly Ash?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, fly ash is a byproduct of burning coal in a boiler to produce electricity. It is a fine, powdery material composed mostly of silica, tan in color and its particles are spherical. Although useful in cement and concrete applications, there are dangers of fly ash.-
Mercury Content
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According to the Greener Buildings website, fly ash contains approximately one part-per-million of mercury. If the fly ash has contact with groundwater, the fish are contaminated, as are the animals and humans that eat the fish. Mercury causes numerous health problems such as autism in newborns, endocrine disruption and cardiovascular disease.
Water Contamination
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Mercury content is not the only problem with fly ash contaminating the water system. According to the Transportation Research Board website, there are worldwide cases of fly ash water and air contamination, and a large number of victims suffered from lung infections and skin disease due to fly ash.
Environmental Impact
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Environmentally, animals and vegetation suffer from the contaminates of fly ash. Cattle that feed on plants contaminated with fly ash suffered from dental and skin diseases. Animals can die from fly ash, and the Board of Transportation website states that the population of birds and water animals is decreasing from fly ash contamination.
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