Adverse Thyroid Health Effects of Coal Ash Exposure

This book was originated from a degree essay with a focus on the effect of coal ash exposure and public health problems. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that currently open storage sites consist of 300 landfills and 584 ash ponds throughout the country. US Energy Information Administration(EIA) also collects and organizes information about industrial coal usage every year. A considerably amount of people are living near coal ash disposal sites without knowing the materials they are exposed to and the potential danger that the materials may bring them. It is of great public health importance for us to learn the effects of coal ash exposure. To thoroughly understand the negative effect of coal ash on human health, more studies need to be done. I hope the publication of this book can arouse more public and academic attention into coal ash exposure. Special thanks goes to Dr. L. Pearce, Dr. M. Terry, Dr. J. Peterson and Dr. J. Clougherty for their efforts and time.