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 ash
Discuss the health effects of coal ash
Review coal ash: Removal, Storage and
Disposal
Review 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 For
In Canada, about
18% 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 as
coal, 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:
Arsenic
Lead
Chlorides
Mercury
Sulfates
Boron
Titanium
Barium
Nickel
Thallium
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?
Water
Contaminants
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 handto- 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