Many industries throughout the nation utilize coal as a resource. With that in mind, it’s vital that you ensure ash wastewater from coal is disposed of properly. In fact, statistics show that nearly 70% of industrial waste is poured into nearby water bodies. This means that these water supplies often become contaminated. Unfortunately, groundwater makes up for over 95% of all available fresh water for the United States. Therefore, taking measures to stop wastewater from leaking into water supplies helps to keep your community safe. With that in mind, here are three dangers associated with coal ash wastewater.
- Damage to Internal Organs
Coal is a material that is often mined. Considering that, it’s increasingly likely that pieces of coal will contain fragments of metal. In many cases, these metal fragments can quickly turn into dust while coal is being processed. Considering that, breathing in this dust filled with coal and metal fragments can cause a lot of damage to your internal organs. If you don’t want to risk breathing in these particles, it’s wise to contact a company that offers coal ash water treatment. These types of treatments help to ensure that ash wastewater doesn’t both you, your employees, or any nearby groundwater supplies. - Increased Risk of Cancer
Statistics show that over 80% of the most serious hazardous waste sites throughout the United States have severely altered the quality of nearby groundwater. While coal dust is dangerous to breathe in, it’s also important to think of how dangerous nearby water supplies can become. While it’s understandable that no one would intentionally consume this type of water, many people are unaware that their water is contaminated. A recent study by the EPA found that those who live near unlined ponds while drinking water from a nearby well can have up to a 1 in 50 chance of getting cancer from this water source. - Cognitive Problems
Ash wastewater that comes from coal can also cause to experience cognitive problems. You don’t want to ever experience cognitive problems, especially while you’re at work. Over long periods of time, exposure to coal ash wastewater can also cause behavioral problems as well as learning disabilities in the future.
To summarize, there are several dangers associated with coal ash wastewater. In many cases, this type of wastewater will contain trace amounts of metals. In turn, breathing in even small amounts of these materials can cause massive damage to your internal organs. You’ll also find that exposure to coal ash is known to increase your risk of developing cancer. Continued exposure to coal ash wastewater can also cause you to develop cognitive problems which often leads to developing learning disabilities.
