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Coal Mining Linked to Respiratory and Skin Diseases
Context:
A survey by the National Foundation for India (NFI) has linked prolonged exposure to coal mining pollutants with widespread respiratory and skin diseases among workers and residents in six coal-extracting districts across India.
More on News:
- The survey involved 1,200 households across Koriya and Raigarh (Chhattisgarh), Dhanbad and Ramgarh (Jharkhand), Angul and Jajpur (Odisha).
- At least 65% of participants reported suffering from conditions like chronic bronchitis, asthma, and skin ailments such as eczema, dermatitis, and fungal infections.
Study Findings:
- Financial Burden: The financial burden is significant on medical bills. Dhanbad has the highest hospitalisation expenses (₹28,461 per household annually).
- Proximity Matters: People near mines in Dhanbad and Ramgarh suffer more health issues due to the higher population density in these areas.
- Just Transition Needed: The study emphasises a “just transition” strategy to help coal-reliant communities shift to sustainable alternative sources of income.
- Economic Disparity: The study reveals districts solely reliant on coal (Dhanbad & Koriya) have lower incomes than more diversified ones (Angul).
- India’s Coal Dependence: India aims for 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, coal remains the main source of power generation with 205 GW of coal-fired thermal plants.
- Renewable Energy on Rise: In the first quarter of 2024, renewable energy contributed to a record 71.5% of the new power generation capacity, while coal’s share dropped below 50% for the first time since the 1960s.
About:
Coal remains important as a fuel source globally, yet its extraction poses a risk to the health of miners. Hazardous dust and chemicals present in coal mines can cause respiratory and skin diseases in workers.
- Lungs in Peril: Inhaling these fine particles over time can cause a disease known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), often nicknamed “black lung.”
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- CWP scars lung tissue, making breathing increasingly difficult.
- Silica dust present in mines can cause silicosis. In addition, exposure to diesel engine fumes in underground mines increases the risk of lung cancer in miners.
- Skin Under Attack: Coal dust poses risks beyond respiratory problems.
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- Direct skin contact can cause irritation, rashes, itching and infection.
- Some coal layers with high mineral content such as sulphur can also cause chemical burns on contact.
Prevention is Key: There is no cure for CWP or other lung diseases caused by coal mine dust.
- Measures like dust suppression techniques, proper ventilation, and the use of respirators are crucial to safeguard miners’ health.
- Regular health screenings for miners are also essential for early detection and treatment of respiratory problems.
