CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - New research concludes that people who live in
Appalachia's coalfields are far more likely to have chronic heart, lung and
kidney problems.
They're also more likely to die early, West Virginia University professor
Michael Hendryx said Tuesday. Hendryx and Washington State University professor
Melissa Ahern reached those conclusions in a study based on a telephone survey
of 16,400 West Virginians, coal production data and mortality rates in eight
coal-producing states.
While the findings, which are due to be published in the American Journal of
Public Health next month, target coal mining pollution, Hendryx blames smoking,
poverty and poor education for much of the region's poor health.
"I think the environmental impact from coal mining is less than those three,
but still significant by itself," he said. "When I controlled for smoking rates,
I found that there was still elevated lung cancer in coal mining areas."
The study found the risk of kidney disease is 70 percent higher for people
who live in West Virginia mining communities, while the risk of emphysema and
similar lung diseases is 64 percent higher. And people who live in mining
communities are 30 percent more likely to report high blood pressure.
People have complained about coal pollution harming their health for
decades, but Hendryx said no one ever tried to verify those complaints through
research, at least not in the United States.
Rates of premature death suggest the numbers also hold true for Alabama,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee -- Appalachia's
other coal states, Hendryx said.
West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney said the industry group
plans a closer look at the data behind the study and how WVU reached its
conclusions. "I get concerned anytime that they accuse a particular segment of
industry, business or society for certain things," he said.
National Mining Association spokesman Luke Popovich declined to comment
because the Washington, D.C.-based trade group has not yet reviewed the study.
Members of the trade group include coal producers Massey Energy Co. and Peabody
Energy Corp., as well as railroad operator CSX Corp.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Joe Manchin, who has taken on a region-wide role in
the expansion of the coal industry and other energy issues, also declined to
comment.
Hendryx said the next research step is looking at air and water quality,
while the search for a solution may well rest with economic development and a
greater emphasis on getting people to quit smoking -- or not take up the habit
in the first place.
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