The impact of coal mining on health
People living in the vicinity of coal-producing mines are heavily exposed to coal dust, which leads to occurrence of respiratory diseases and allergies. Mining waste contains heavy metals and other toxic substances that can get into the groundwater and air. Another problem – radioactivity. Lignite contains uranium, thorium and potassium-40.
Life expectancy of the average inhabitant of the Kemerovo region is for 3-4 years less than that of the Russians, on average, partly because of environmental concerns. The incidence of tuberculosis in the region exceeds the average level in Russia 1.7 times. Level of 15 cancer diseases in the region is above the Russian average (seven – higher than the average in the Siberian Federal District). High risk of mass infectious disease of children is related to air pollution with particulate matter, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides.