Air Pollution: Coal Ash May be Spewing Radioactive Contaminants

First Posted: Sep 04, 2015 07:53 PM EDT

Radioactive contaminants may be blown into our atmosphere in the form of coal ash. Scientists have found that levels of radioactivity in the coal ash they examined were up to five times higher than in normal soil, and up to 10 times higher than in parent coal itself.

"Until now, metals and contaminants such as selenium and arsenic have been the major known contaminants of concern in coal ash," said Avner Vengosh, one of the researchers, in a news release. "This study raises the possibility we should also be looking for radioactive elements, such as radium isotopes and lead-210, and including them in our monitoring efforts."

Radium isotopes and lead-210 occur naturally in coal as chemical by-products of its uranium and thorium content. When coal is burned, the researchers found that the radium isotopes actually become concentrated in the coal ash residues, and the lead-210 becomes chemically volatile and reattaches itself to tiny particles of flying ash. This causes additional enrichment of radioactivity in the flying ash.

Currently, coal ash disposal sites are not monitored for radioactivity. This latest study, though, shows that it might be wise to do so.

"Because of the tiny size of the fly ash particles, they are much more likely to be suspended in air if they are disposed in a dry form," said Nancy Lauer, one of the researchers. "People breathing this air may face increased risks, particularly since tiny particles tend to be more enriched in radioactivity."

The findings reveal that these sites should be monitored for radioactivity. This is particularly important for areas where coal is burned frequently.

The findings are published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

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TagsCoal, Fuel, Environment, Radioactivity, Radioactive, Atmosphere, Pollution, air pollution, Health