The impact of mining activities at the North Bohemian Brown Coal Mines on public health

Surface mines are a major source of dust. Dust particles contribute to fogs and pose a hindrance to solar radiation. Spontaneous fire often breaks out during mining. Power plants and households burning brown coal produce sulfur dioxide from which H2SO4 aerosol can form. Dust and SO2 enter the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and contribute to the development of bronchoconstriction and tracheobronchitis and bronchospasm in asthmatics. Oxides of nitrogen can cause, e.g., changes in the metabolism of prostaglandin, lung cell damage, lung edema, and changes in cellular lipids. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons such as benzopyrene and benzanthracene, which can induce cancer, are also emitted. Observed pollutant levels in air are reported and remedial actions are proposed. (M.D.). 5 figs., 6 tabs., 6 refs