Appalachia

The Lexington Herald Leader
Lexington, KY
Study how mining may hurt health; E. Ky. right to be worried
August 10, 2014

The most pressing health concern for Kentuckians who have participated in SOAR's "listening sessions" this summer is whether surface mining is making them and their neighbors sick and contributing to "inexplicable" birth defects.

Their worries are supported by a growing body of research by universities and the U.S. Geological Survey, as well as by common sense: When fine dust released by blasting, dozing and trucking coal coats your vehicle and porch, it's a safe bet it's also coating your lungs and circulating through your veins.

Nonetheless, Dr. Nikki Stone, a Hazard dentist and chair of Shaping Our Appalachian Region's health committee, said she was surprised that mining emerged as one of the two top issues (tied with calls for coordinated school health programs) during 15 recent public meetings on health in Eastern Kentucky.

Until recently, the coal industry's clout has chilled talk of possible links between mining and the region's high rates of disease and premature death....

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2014/08/10/3373443/study-how-mining-may-hurt-health.html?sp=/99/349/#storylink=cpy