More coal production, more chronic illness

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., March 28 (UPI) -- Residents of a coal production state are at an increased risk of developing heart, lung and kidney diseases, U.S. researchers say.

Michael Hendryx of West Virginia University and Melissa Ahern of Washington State University used data from a 2001 WVU Health Policy Research telephone survey of more than 16,400 West Virginians.

The researchers correlated the data with the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, which shows volume of coal production from mining in each of the state's 55 counties.

The study, published in the April issue of the American Journal of Public Health, finds as coal production increases, so does the incidence of chronic illness. Coal-processing chemicals, equipment powered by diesel engines, explosives, toxic impurities in coals and dust from uncovered coal trucks can cause environmental pollution that could have a negative affect on public health.

Hendryx said the data indicate that people in coal mining communities have a 70 percent increased risk for developing kidney disease, a 64 percent increased risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema, and are 30 percent more likely to report high blood pressure.