TOXIC WASTE IN THE US COAL ASH AND ITS HARMFUL EFFECTS IN OUR ENVIRONMENT. PRESENTATION BY JOSHUA IGBINOSA COAL ASH IN OUR ENVIRONMENT • Coal ash in our environment is beyond dangerous and constitutes a lot of contamination to waterways, ground water, drinking water and the air. It has a lot of poisonous metals like cadmium, mercury and arsenic. Yes! We need coal in forms of electricity regardless of it being the second largest industrial waste in the United states, I just believe that other methods could be factored into how well we can maximize the usage of this mineral without causing health issues to people like cancer and asthma. This process must start with the very many individuals that are working with and producing these products EFFECTS OF COAL ASH ON OUR HEALTH • Short-term exposure can bring irritation of the nose and throat • Dizziness • Nausea • shortness of breath • Long-term exposure can lead to liver damage • kidney damage • Cardiac arrhythmia • Variety of cancers WAYS TO MITIGATE THE RISKS OF COAL ASH Use of surgical masks by persons working in production factories and other forms of PPE Avoid dumping coal ash residues in water bodies like rivers and oceans. Limit activities that create the potential for spills in the first place especially while transitioning these minerals. Government should enact laws to regulate industries that produce these harmful chemical wastes to protect themselves and the general population. WAYS I REDUCE STRESS DURING THE MID SEMESTER. Midterms can be tough, school in general. So, there are simple things I do to keep my sanity amidst the pressure. • Hang out with friends for at least 30 minutes daily • Take warm baths with Epsom salt in my bathtub • Work out at least 30 minutes everyday to reduce stress • I also take a walk/drive when I feel like getting some air. • Sometimes I will just sit in silence and meditate while focusing on my breathing.
