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 hand- to- 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

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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