What are the health and environmental risks associated with the coal ash release site?
Currently, the site has controls in place to limit exposure to humans and ecological receptors, but if those controls are not continued or if site conditions change, potential exposure to high concentrations of metals could present unacceptable risks to humans and the environment. Direct skin contact with ash may cause localized irritation. Washing affected areas and removing and washing clothing are simple steps to take to remove the irritation. Breathing airborne particulates including coal ash over long periods of time can irritate the respiratory system. People with existing lung diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should avoid breathing coal ash dust. When suspended solids such as sediments and ash settle out on the bottom of rivers and streams, they can smother aquatic life and make the river bottom unsuitable for aquatic insects. Fish eggs can also be smothered, decreasing oxygenation to the point where they do not survive. Pr
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