Chapter 6 - The Effects of Global Coal Fires

Abstract

This chapter describes the origin of coal fires and related gases, discussing some of the world’s most problematic coal fires and associated environmental hazards. It also considers techniques used to combat these fires. Environmentally catastrophic effects from coal fires include the emission of noxious gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere and condensation products responsible for stream and soil pollution. Coal fires have killed people, have forced entire communities to abandon their homes and businesses, have destroyed floral and faunal habitats, and are responsible for perilous land subsidence. Mine-related activities, improperly controlled man-made fires, and spontaneous combustion in adjacent materials ignite most coal mine-related fires. It is also caused by forced ignition from sources that include lightning and brush and forest fires. Regardless of origin, coal fires consume a valuable natural resource and constitute a thermodynamic recipe for environmental catastrophe. Fires in China, Pennsylvania, and India exemplify this. Industrial smokestacks and motorized vehicles are usually cited in the news as the primary sources of pollution including acid rain and greenhouse gases. The enormous amount of toxic gases and particulate matter emitted by coal fires burning around the world over many years contributes significantly to the global destruction of the environment and the health of its inhabitants.