Health Effects of Energy-Generating Sources

Abstract

To the Editor.— The American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs does not appear to have performed its evaluation of the health effects of energy-generating sources with a view toward the ultimate purpose of its analysis (240:2193, 1978). The document is of interest as a summary of the occupational health risks associated with nuclear and fossil-fuel power production in the recent past, but it is not adequate to serve as a guide to future policy for the following reasons: The risks attributed to coal mining reflect hazards associated with underground mining. 1,2 The expansion of coal mining under the National Energy Plan, especially in the western states where the potential for future production is greatest, will be preponderantly surface mining. 3,4 The AMA council report bases its evaluation on extrapolation from the most hazardous coal extraction technology rather than the technology that will in fact be employed. Surface mining