A recent study conducted by the University of California, Davis, found that trains carrying coal can have detrimental effects on the health of residents living in close proximity to the rail lines. The study, published in the journal Environmental Research, focused on the San Francisco Bay Area and was the first of its kind to assess the health impacts of coal train pollution. The research revealed that communities living near coal train routes are at a higher risk of asthma, heart disease, hospitalization, and premature death, with particular emphasis on communities of color, young and elderly individuals, and those with low incomes.
The study centered on East Bay neighborhoods, including Oakland, Berkeley, Martinez, and Richmond, where coal is transported from Utah mines via rail. The research specifically examined the potential health impacts of a proposed coal terminal that could bring an additional 7.4 million tons of coal per year by rail to the Port of Oakland. The study highlighted that the continuous generation of microscopic particles, known as PM2.5 or fine particles, by passing coal trains poses serious health risks as these particles can infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream, leading to chronic exposures and adverse health outcomes.
To quantify the health impacts of PM2.5 emitted from coal trains, the researchers integrated air quality data with medical and demographic information using software mapping and analysis programs. Different scenarios were modeled to estimate the health effects on approximately 262,000 individuals exposed to increased levels of PM2.5. The study found that under the most severe scenario, an increase in annual fine particulates of 2.1 micrograms per cubic meter of air could result in six additional deaths per year in this population, with higher risks for people of color potentially leading to 15 total deaths.
In addition to premature deaths, the study also projected an increase in hospital admissions for heart disease, new cases of asthma, incidences of pneumonia, and days of asthma attributed to coal train pollution. The results suggested that under a less severe scenario with a lower increase in PM2.5 levels, the additional health impacts would be about 50% lower than in the most severe scenario. Race-specific estimates showed that Hispanic and Black residents had higher levels of PM2.5 exposure compared to White residents, indicating disparities in health effects based on race and ethnicity.
The study concluded that communities worldwide living near coal train routes are at risk of adverse health effects from exposure to coal pollution. Lead author Bart Ostro emphasized that the impact of passing coal trains extends beyond local communities to affect millions of individuals worldwide who reside near coal train routes. The research was supported by the California Air Resources Board Community Air Monitoring Grant Program and the UC Davis Environmental Health Science Center and involved collaboration with UC Irvine and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. The findings underscore the urgent need for addressing the health risks associated with coal transportation and advocating for cleaner and safer alternatives to coal energy production.