What makes coal mining dangerous
Just one spark in that environment could have caused a very powerful explosion. Such an explosion can be horrific. The governor of West Virginia, Joe Manchin, said, "Rail cars and buggies and heavy equipment, train rails … looked like they had been twisted like a pretzel.
Even after the explosion, there was so much leftover gas and smoke that rescuers had to leave the mine before finding four of the missing miners. Three of them were working near where six bodies were found, and the other was near where more bodies were discovered. After the Sago mine disaster, new safety measures were ordered. Safety chambers, where miners could take refuge, were added. They were required to hold enough air, food, and water for four days.
Officials at Upper Big Branch say they hope the four missing miners Monday were able to escape to one of those chambers before succumbing to toxic gases. However, even with the inherent dangers involved in coal mining, half of this country's electricity comes from coal, so the industry is not likely to disappear anytime soon.
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The effects of mining coal on the environment There are 2 ways to mine coal — Strip Mining and Underground Mining — both ways have their own impact to the environment and health. Even though workplace health and safety has improved immensely in the last years, risk is still high compared to other jobs.
Hearing issues are also very common in miners due to the excessive noise levels associated with machinery. Increased rates of respiratory disease, lung cancer, and low birth weight can all be associated and linked to townships that are situated close to mines. COPD and hypertension are directly linked to coal that is extracted from mines and lead poisoning from water sources are also known to be a proven issue in more recent times.
Communities close to surface mine sites are affected by the dust created through the use of explosives, causing a range of respiratory issues amongst locals.
Explosives used in mining are often chemical based and have been linked to the poisoning of drinking water caused by mine drainage, heavy metals, and coal seam gas. Explosions have often caused structural damage and deaths. There are ways to protect yourself against hazards, and it begins with common sense.
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