In a study of possible health risks from large-scale strip mining, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine will hold two public meetings in Kentucky.
The first meeting will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at the Perry County Library, 289 Black Gold Blvd. in Hazard.
The second meeting will be held from 12:45 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort, 1800 Newtown Pike in Lexington.
The study was commissioned by the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, citing a “growing amount of academic research that relates to possible correlations between increased health risks as a result of living near surface coal mine operations.”
Bill Estep of the Lexington Herald-Leader notes, "Several studies have concluded that mountaintop mining in Central Appalachia is associated with higher rates of cancer, heart disease and other health problems among local residents." The leading researcher has pointed to dust containing rare-earth metals as a likely cause. However, a 2012 study by a Yale University researcher and others for coal interests "did not find that mining or mining-related pollution directly contributed to health problems in Central Appalachia," Estep notes. "Rather, the results pointed to 'substantial economic and cultural disadvantages that adversely impact the health of many area residents,' the study said." The leading researcher says his work has accounted for those issues.
Information about the study can be found here. For more information, or to register to attend, email rchappetta@nas.edu or call 202-334-2766.
The first meeting will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at the Perry County Library, 289 Black Gold Blvd. in Hazard.
The second meeting will be held from 12:45 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort, 1800 Newtown Pike in Lexington.
The study was commissioned by the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, citing a “growing amount of academic research that relates to possible correlations between increased health risks as a result of living near surface coal mine operations.”
Bill Estep of the Lexington Herald-Leader notes, "Several studies have concluded that mountaintop mining in Central Appalachia is associated with higher rates of cancer, heart disease and other health problems among local residents." The leading researcher has pointed to dust containing rare-earth metals as a likely cause. However, a 2012 study by a Yale University researcher and others for coal interests "did not find that mining or mining-related pollution directly contributed to health problems in Central Appalachia," Estep notes. "Rather, the results pointed to 'substantial economic and cultural disadvantages that adversely impact the health of many area residents,' the study said." The leading researcher says his work has accounted for those issues.
Information about the study can be found here. For more information, or to register to attend, email rchappetta@nas.edu or call 202-334-2766.
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