1) Good morning.

a) Our topic for discussion today is about environmental, health, and safety effects of power plants.
2) Our report is divided into five parts starting with coal-fired power plants, followed by nuclear,
geothermal, hydro and lastly wind power plants.
3) So, all of us already know or have prior knowledge about what a power plant is.
a) It is basically a facility that converts energy into electricity.
4) Now, let’s start with coal-fired power plants and its E,H, & S Effects
5) Coal-fired Power Plants undergo a lot of process before maka generate ug electricity from coal
a) When we say coal, is a fossil fuel composed mostly of carbon and hydrocarbons and marelease
rana iyang energy through combustion.
b) Let’s watch this video on how it works.
6) Now, let’s go back to our main topic starting with its environmental effects
a) So, from the video alone we can pin point the causes of environmental impacts of coal power
plant which are mainly coal mining, burning of the coal, and the need of a lot of water to feed to
the boiler.
b) Unsa man diay naa ana, nganong bad man sya for the environment.
c) Climate change is coal’s most serious, long-term, global impact.

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

 Carbon Dioxide (CO2): The combustion of coal releases large amounts of
carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming
and climate change.
 Methane (CH4): Coal mining and processing can release methane,
another potent greenhouse gas.
2. Air Pollution:
 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Burning coal produces sulfur dioxide, which
contributes to acid rain and can harm respiratory health.
 Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Coal combustion releases nitrogen oxides, which
can contribute to smog formation and respiratory issues.
 Particulate Matter: The burning of coal generates fine particles that can
be harmful when inhaled, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular
problems.
3. Water Use and Pollution:
 Water Consumption: Coal-fired power plants require large amounts of
water for cooling. This can impact local water sources and ecosystems.
 Water Pollution: Disposal of coal ash, a byproduct of combustion, can
contaminate water with heavy metals and other pollutants.
4. Land Use and Habitat Destruction:
  Mining Impact: Coal mining can result in habitat destruction, soil erosion,
and the alteration of landscapes. It may also lead to the displacement of
local communities and wildlife.
5. Waste Generation:
 Coal Ash: Coal combustion produces ash containing various pollutants,
including heavy metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic. Proper disposal of
coal ash is crucial to prevent water and soil contamination.
6. Respiratory and Cardiovascular Issues:
 Particulate Matter (PM): Fine particles released during the combustion of
coal can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to respiratory problems
such as asthma, bronchitis, and aggravated chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD). PM is also associated with cardiovascular issues.
7. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Exposure:
 Respiratory Problems: SO2 emissions from coal combustion can irritate
the respiratory system, exacerbate asthma, and lead to the development of
respiratory diseases.
8. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Exposure:
 Respiratory Issues: NOx can contribute to the formation of ground-level
ozone and fine particulate matter, both of which are harmful to respiratory
health.
9. Mercury Exposure:
 Neurological Effects: Mercury emissions from coal combustion can
contaminate water bodies, leading to the bioaccumulation of mercury in
fish. Consuming contaminated fish can result in mercury exposure, which is
particularly harmful to the developing nervous systems of fetuses and
young children.
10. Climate Change-Related Health Effects:
 Heat-Related Illnesses: The contribution of coal combustion to climate
change can result in more extreme weather events, leading to increased
heat-related illnesses and deaths.