Public Health Services A Shared Service of Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) & Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority (GASHA)

Public Health Services

A Shared Service of

Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA)

&

Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority (GASHA)

Brochure

Learning Objectives

Review terms coal and coal ashDiscuss the health effects of coal ashReview coal ash: Removal, Storage and

DisposalReview actions for reducing exposure to

coal Ash

Coal Description Coal is a combustible rock formed from the

remains of plant life, mostly made up of carbon- fossil fuel

Coal made up of a wide variety of minerals and can be classified into 4 categories:

1. Anthracite (BC) 2. Bituminous Coal (NS) 3. Subbituminous 4. Lignite

Coal Is Used ForIn Canada, about18% of our electricity is generated by the combustion of coal

Electricity

Coal Is Used For

In the past, many people used coal to cook food and heat their homes

Sharp decline in domestic use since 1960’s

There are still a few communities who use coal to heat homes

Coal Ash

Whenever you burn a solid fuel such ascoal, you are left with ashes to get rid of.

Coal Ash

Depending on the type of coal used and how it was burned,coal ash may contain small amounts of harmful substances

Coal Ash May Contain the Following Substances:

ArsenicLeadChloridesMercurySulfates

BoronTitaniumBariumNickelThallium

Coal Ash Harmful to People Plants and Animals

Some people use coal on lawns and gardens as fertilizer

Some people store coal ash in the back yard to be used on slippery driveways and steps during winter months

How Are We Exposed?

Food Contaminants in coal

ash can be taken up through the roots of vegetables and fruit plants

How Are We Exposed?

WaterContaminants

from coal ash seep into the soil and are then washed into groundwater and basements

How Are We Exposed?

Breathe it in People can breathe

in dust particles when removing coal ash from stoves or when stoves are not properly ventilated

Reduce Children’s Exposure To Coal Ash

Children’s play activities and hand-to- mouth behaviors put them at greater risk

Do not dump ashes around your home

Plant grass or plants over bare soil

Reduce Children’s Exposure to Coal Ash Particles

If you think your yard may have coal ash in it have the soil tested

Have coal ash removed from your yard by a qualified professional

Have well water tested for contaminants found in coal ash like lead & arsenic

Reduce Children’s Exposure To Coal Ash

Children should wash their hands before eating and after playing outside

Coal Ash Removal Cover your mouth

with a dust mask or handkerchief when moving coal ash

Vacuum, damp mop and dust with damp cloth often if you use coal to heat your home

Coal Ash Storage Do not put coal ash in

the garbage too soon or spread it over the yard

Ashes should be stored in an approved, fire resistant pail.

Store Coal Ash on a concrete, brick or slate surface, not a wooden porch or step

Fire Resistant Pail The pail should be

made from sheet metal

The bottom of the pail must be elevated so only the outer rim makes contact with a surface

The pail should have a large handle for easy carrying and a lid that fits tightly

What is wrong with this picture?

Coal Ash Disposal

After you are certain there are no live coals, ashes should be double bagged and labeled soot or ashes

Ashes should then be placed at curbside with regular garbage for pick- up

Check with you local Municipal office