Safeguard Health In Mining Regions
By the News-Register
POSTED: March 27, 2008
Living around coal mines may be hazardous to your health, a researcher at West Virginia University believes. He bases that contention on a study that involved nearly 16,500 Mountain State residents in coal-producing counties.
We do not agree with knee-jerk positions taken by some who would, if they could, close every coal mine in the United States and shut down every coal-fired power plant. Coal is an important part of our nation’s energy mix — and needs to play an even bigger role.
But if the coal industry poses a health risk to those living near mines, something needs to be done about it.
WVU researcher Michael Hendryx, working with a Washington State University scientist, used results from a telephone survey of nearly 16,500 people to come to certain conclusions. Among them: People who live in coal-producing counties are more likely than others to suffer from heart, lung and kidney diseases. In addition, the study seems to indicate that the more coal produced in a county, the more likely its residents are to suffer from health problems.
Hendryx has analyzed data from other studies of people who live in coal-producing regions, and says that the information backs up his contention. He adds that he has “corrected for” other factors with an effect on health, such as age, obesity and smoking.
At first glance, the study seems to have at least some validity. Again, in contrast to some “scientific” reports that rely on evidence from handfuls of people, this one used information from nearly 16,500 West Virginians.
More work needs to be done before sweeping conclusions are drawn, of course. But the WVU-WSU study indicates that additional studies should be conducted — both to determine whether the conclusion of this one is correct and, if so, what can be done to safeguard the public’s health.
Our nation cannot survive without coal. That means mining is an essential industry. But it does not mean that the health of those living near coal mines needs to be put in jeopardy. WVU should take the lead in addressing the issue.
