Coal Mining Counties Research Articles

The spatial and temporal development of British prisons from 1901 to the present: The role of de-industrialisation

This paper combines archival data and statistical analysis to investigate the context-specific ways that prisons expanded and affected communities in the UK, focusing closely on the role of the UK's political economy. We present evidence of a significant increase of prisons in the counties where the coal-mining industry was dismantled during the 1980s and 1990s. We identify former coal-mining areas based on Coal Mining Reporting Areas and the methodology used by Beatty and Fothergill (1996) and test if more prisons were opened in former coal-mining areas than non-coal-mining areas per capita post-closures. Using Poisson regression analyses and controlling for population changes, we found that coal-mining counties were significantly more likely to acquire a new prison between 1981 and 2001 than those areas which were not affected by de-industrialisation. We apply Derrida's thinking on hauntology to reexamine the spatial legacy of Thatcherism in these communities as a means to understand history and culture, and the unraveling of the past, present, and future.

Dusty trades and associated rheumatoid arthritis in a population-based study in the coal mining counties of Appalachia

ObjectivesWe previously showed increased coal mining-associated risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using additional survey data, we sought to delineate this risk further.MethodsWe used data from two cross-sectional, random-digit-dial, population-based surveys...

Factors influencing high respiratory mortality in coal-mining counties: a repeated cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies have associated elevated mortality risk in central Appalachia with coal-mining activities, but few have explored how different non-coal factors influence the association within each county. Consequently, there is a knowledge gap in identifying effective ways to address health disparities in coal-mining counties. To specifically address this knowledge gap, this study estimated the effect of living in a coal-mining county on non-malignant respiratory diseases (NMRD) mortality, and defined this as “coal-county effect.” We also investigated what factors may accentuate or attenuate the coal-county effect.MethodsAn ecological epidemiology protocol was designed to observe the characteristics of three populations and to identify the effects of coal-mining on community health. Records for seven coal-mining counties (n = 19,692) were obtained with approvals from the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics for the years 2005 to 2012. Also requested were records from three adjacent coal counties (n = 10,425) to provide a geographic comparison. For a baseline comparison, records were requested for eleven tobacco-producing counties (n = 27,800). We analyzed the association of 57,917 individual mortality records in Virginia with coal-mining county residency, county-level socioeconomic status, health access, behavioral risk factors, and coal production. The development of a two-level hierarchical model allowed the coal-county effect to vary by county-level characteristics. Wald tests detected sets of significant factors explaining the variation of impacts across counties. Furthermore, to illustrate how the model estimations help explain health disparities, two coal-mining county case studies were presented.ResultsThe main result revealed that coal-mining county residency increased the probability of dying from NMRD. The coal-county effect was accentuated by surface coal mining, high smoking rates, decreasing health insurance coverage, and a shortage of doctors. In Virginia coal-mining regions, the average coal-county effect increased by 147% (p-value< 0.01) when one doctor per 1000 left, and the effect increased by 68% (p-value< 0.01) with a 1% reduction of health insurance rates, holding other factors fixed.ConclusionsThis study showed a high mortality risk of NMRD associated with residents living in Virginia coal-mining counties. Our results also revealed the critical role of health access in reducing health disparities related to coal exposure.

Prolonging coal’s sunset: Local demand for local supply

The share of U.S electricity generated by coal has fallen from nearly 50% to 33%. This transition offers social environmental benefits but spatially concentrated costs as coal miners and their local communities have suffered. Coal states have responded to shifting demand conditions by introducing incentives for local power plants to purchase coal from local mines. We document that power plants in areas with mining activity are more likely to be coal-fired and to purchase more coal from mines which they share a political boundary even after controlling for the distance from power plants to mines. While politically-motivated coal purchases do result in improved conditions in coal-mining counties in some regions of the country, these benefits are likely to be small compared to the additional carbon costs.

Prevalence of Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis in Coal Mining Counties of the United States.

Exposure to inhaled mineral dust, in particular silica, is associated with increased odds of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. We studied the association of RA with work-related coal and silica exposure in the Appalachian region of the US. We carried out a random-digit dialed telephone survey in selected counties in Appalachia that had elevated coal workers' pneumoconiosis mortality. Our study cohort included men ages ≥50 with any employment history, and we assessed exposure to coal mining employment, other work-related dust, and ergonomic factors. We ascertained self-reported physician diagnosis of any arthritis and of RA with glucocorticoid treatment. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and associated population attributable fraction (PAF) estimates. Among the 973 men who met study entry criteria (mean ± SD ages 66 ± 10 years; 54% ever smokers), 266 (27%) reported coal mining work and 189 (19%) reported other work-related silica exposure. There were 517 men (53%), who reported any arthritis and 112 (12%) whose disease met the study definition of RA. Adjusting for covariates, coal mining was associated with elevated odds of RA (OR 3.6 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.1-6.2]), which accounted for a PAF of 33% (95% CI 26-40%) of the men studied. For any arthritis, the coal mining-associated OR was 2.3 (95% CI 1.6-3.2), with an associated PAF of 20% (95% CI 14-25%). In this population of older males living in a coal mining region, we estimated that 20% of arthritis and 33% of RA may be attributable to coal mining work.

Coal-fired power plant regulatory rollback in the United States: Implications for local and regional public health

President Trump wants to promote coal and weaken Clean Air Act regulations that affect coal-fired power plants. We analyze which US regions have benefited from air quality improvements realized since adoption of two Clean Air Act power plant rules, the transport and mercury rules, which have been targeted by lobbyists and national officials. For 20 coal states, we create a pre-regulatory emissions scenario for the current (2016) fleet of power plants. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's CO-Benefits Risk Assessment screening model, we estimate the differences between the impacts of pre-regulatory emissions and current emissions on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations and on public health. We compare those impacts with voting patterns in the 2016 presidential election and with demographic data. Among the air quality and public health gains of the current situation relative to the pre-regulatory scenario are that: annual average PM2.5 concentrations are lower by 1–5 μg/m3; 17,176–39,291 premature mortalities are avoided for each year of lower emissions; coal mining counties and White, rural counties experience some of the best improvements in air quality; and, in several states, Trump counties benefit more than Clinton counties. We suggest refining these results with atmospheric dispersion models.

What did Unions do? The Case of Illinois Coal Mining in the 1880s

This study asks what unions did for Illinois coal miners in the 1880s. It measures the outcomes provided by a traditional union and the Knights of Labor, primarily via difference-in-differences applied to a panel of coal mining counties in Illinois. Neither the traditional union nor the Knights of Labor was able to raise wages, provide benefits, or reduce hours per workday. The traditional union reduced days of work per year. Circumstantial evidence suggests the unions were able to ensure prompt payment of wages due.

Is there an association of circulatory hospitalizations independent of mining employment in coal-mining and non-coal-mining counties in west virginia?

Exposures associated with coal mining activities, including diesel fuel exhaust, products used in coal processing, and heavy metals and other forms of particulate matter, may impact the health of nearby residents. We investigated the relationships between county-level circulatory hospitalization rates (CHRs) in coal and non-coal-mining communities of West Virginia, coal production, coal employment, and sociodemographic factors. Direct age-adjusted CHRs were calculated using West Virginia hospitalizations from 2005 to 2009. Spatial regressions were conducted to explore associations between CHR and total, underground, and surface coal production. After adjustment, neither total, nor surface, nor underground coal production was significantly related to rate of hospitalization for circulatory disease. Our findings underscore the significant role sociodemographic and behavioral factors play in the health and well-being of coal mining communities.

General mortality patterns in appalachian coal-mining and non-coal-mining counties.

To determine whether mortality disparities in Appalachia are due to coal mining or other factors. Unadjusted and covariate adjusted rate ratio models calculated total, all external, and all cancer mortality rates from 1960 to 2009 for cumulative total, surface, and underground coal production in coal-mining counties compared with non-coal-mining counties. No coal-related statistically significant elevations in total or all external mortality were found. Control for covariates attenuated rate ratios for all levels of coal mining. All forms of coal were statistically significant in the adjusted rate ratio models for all cancer mortality, with 4% to 6% excesses in the highest quartiles of production. Total and all external mortalities do not seem to be related to coal production in Appalachia, but all cancer mortality should be further examined. Additional causes of death should also be considered.

Adult tooth loss for residents of US coal mining and Appalachian counties

The authors compared rates of tooth loss between adult residents of Appalachian coal-mining areas and other areas of the nation before and after control for covariate risks. The authors conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis that merged 2006 national Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (BRFSS) (N=242184) with county coal-mining data and other county characteristics. The hypothesis tested was that adult tooth loss would be greater in Appalachian mining areas after control for other risks. Primary independent variables included main effects for coal-mining present (yes/no) residence in Appalachia (yes/no), and their interaction. Data were weighted using the BRFSS final weights and analyzed using SUDAAN Proc Multilog to account for the multilevel complex sampling structure. The odds of two measures of tooth loss were examined controlling for age, race\ethnicity, drinking, smoking, income, education, supply of dentists, receipt of dental care, fluoridation rate, and other variables. After covariate adjustment, the interaction variable for the residents of Appalachian coal-mining counties showed a significantly elevated odds for any tooth loss [odds ratio (OR)=1.19, 95% CI=1.02, 1.38], and greater tooth loss measured by a 4-level edentulism scale (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.05, 1.36). The main effect for Appalachia was also significant for both measures, but the main effect for coal mining was not. Greater risk of tooth loss among adult residents of Appalachian coal-mining areas is present and is not explained by differences in reported receipt of dental care, fluoridation rates, supply of dentists or other behavioral or socioeconomic risks. Possible contributing factors include mining-specific disparities related to access, behavior or environmental exposures.

Cancer Mortality Rates in Appalachian Mountaintop Coal Mining Areas

Background. We examine the association between cancer mortality rates in three types of counties in central Appalachia: those with mountaintop coal mining (MTM), those with other surface or underground mining, or those with no coal mining. Mountaintop mining is associated with greater levels of water and air disturbance compared to other mining types. In addition, studies have found significant health disparities in coal mining counties in Appalachia. Methods. Linear regression analyses were used to conduct county-level analyses to determine the association between age-adjusted cancer mortality rates and MTM mining for two periods of time: 1999-2002 and 2003-2007. County-level covariates include smoking, health care access, adult obesity, poverty, and education. Results. Mortality rates for lung, colon, and bladder cancer and leukemia in MTM counties were significantly greater than those in non-mining areas in 2003-2007 (lung cancer mortality rates were also significantly greater than non-mining areas in 1999-2002). Kidney cancer mortality rates in MTM areas were marginally significantly greater (p < .06) than those in non-mining counties in 2003-2007. Conclusions. Mortality rates from lung, colon, bladder, and kidney cancer and leukemia are significantly associated with MTM mining areas (vs. non-mining counties) in 2003-2007. Results may indicate either that water and air exposures from MTM activity in earlier years have accumulated, or that contamination in MTM counties may have worsened in more recent years.

A Comparative Analysis of Health-Related Quality of Life for Residents of U.S. Counties with and without Coal Mining

We compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in mining and non-mining counties in and out of Appalachia using the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Dependent variables included self-rated health, the number of poor physical and mental health days, the number of activity limitation days (in the last 30 days), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Days Index. Independent variables included the presence of coal mining, Appalachian region residence, metropolitan status, primary care physician supply, and BRFSS behavioral (e.g., smoking, body mass index, and alcohol consumption) and demographic (e.g., age, gender, race, and income) variables. We compared dependent variables across a four-category variable: Appalachia (yes/ no) and coal mining (yes/no). We used SUDAAN Multilog and multiple linear regression models with post-hoc least-squares means to test for Appalachian coal-mining effects after adjusting for covariates. Residents of coal-mining counties inside and outside of Appalachia reported significantly fewer healthy days for both physical and mental health, and poorer self-rated health (p < 0.0005) when compared with referent U.S. non-coal-mining counties, but disparities were greatest for people residing in Appalachian coal-mining areas. Furthermore, results remained consistent in separate analyses by gender and age. Coal-mining areas are characterized by greater socioeconomic disadvantage, riskier health behaviors, and environmental degradation that are associated with reduced HRQOL.

Learning Outcomes among Students in Relation to West Virginia Coal Mining: an Environmental Riskscape Approach

Children who live in coal mining areas are subject to environmental and socioeconomic risks for poor cognitive developmental outcomes. To assess the potential impact of the coal mining environmental riskscape on cognitive development in West Virginian children, we examined the associations between coal mining and learning outcomes among students in West Virginia public schools for the years 2005–2008. The study used a retrospective, natural field experiment design to test pass rates on standardized school performance tests in counties in West Virginia with and without coal mining activity. SUDAAN regression models controlled for a set of other risk variables on test performance. Proficiency rates for schools in coal-mining counties versus non-coal mining counties were significantly lower in all subject areas partly in relation to socioeconomic disadvantage, and remained significantly lower (p < .0008 or better) after adjusting for county high school education rates, percent of low-income students, percent of highly qualified teachers, number of students tested, and county smoking rates. Disparities in educational performance in mining areas reflect multiple environmental riskscape disadvantages. Adjusted differences in school test performance may reflect unmeasured confounds, environmental contaminants of the coal mining industry, or some combination thereof.

Higher coronary heart disease and heart attack morbidity in Appalachian coal mining regions

Background This study analyzes the U.S. 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data ( N = 235,783) to test whether self-reported cardiovascular disease rates are higher in Appalachian coal mining counties compared to other counties after control for other risks. Methods Dependent variables include self-reported measures of ever (1) being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or with a specific form of CVD including (2) stroke, (3) heart attack, or (4) angina or coronary heart disease (CHD). Independent variables included coal mining, smoking, BMI, drinking, physician supply, diabetes co-morbidity, age, race/ethnicity, education, income, and others. SUDAAN Multilog models were estimated, and odds ratios tested for coal mining effects. Results After control for covariates, people in Appalachian coal mining areas reported significantly higher risk of CVD (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.14–1.30), angina or CHD (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.19–1.39) and heart attack (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.10–1.30). Effects were present for both men and women. Conclusions Cardiovascular diseases have been linked to both air and water contamination in ways consistent with toxicants found in coal and coal processing. Future research is indicated to assess air and water quality in coal mining communities in Appalachia, with corresponding environmental programs and standards established as indicated.

Mortality from heart, respiratory, and kidney disease in coal mining areas of Appalachia

The purpose of this study was to test whether population mortality rates from heart, respiratory and kidney disease were higher as a function of levels of Appalachian coal mining after control for other disease risk factors. The study investigated county-level, age-adjusted mortality rates for the years 2000-2004 for heart, respiratory and kidney disease in relation to tons of coal mined. Four groups of counties were compared: Appalachian counties with more than 4 million tons of coal mined from 2000 to 2004; Appalachian counties with mining at less than 4 million tons, non-Appalachian counties with coal mining, and other non-coal mining counties across the nation. Forms of chronic illness were contrasted with acute illness. Poisson regression models were analyzed separately for male and female mortality rates. Covariates included percent male population, college and high school education rates, poverty rates, race/ethnicity rates, primary care physician supply, rural-urban status, smoking rates and a Southern regional variable. For both males and females, mortality rates in Appalachian counties with the highest level of coal mining were significantly higher relative to non-mining areas for chronic heart, respiratory and kidney disease, but were not higher for acute forms of illness. Higher rates of acute heart and respiratory mortality were found for non-Appalachian coal mining counties. Higher chronic heart, respiratory and kidney disease mortality in coal mining areas may partially reflect environmental exposure to particulate matter or toxic agents present in coal and released in its mining and processing. Differences between Appalachian and non-Appalachian areas may reflect different mining practices, population demographics, or mortality coding variability.

Mortality Rates in Appalachian Coal Mining Counties: 24 Years Behind the Nation

ABSTRACT Appalachia has higher morbidity and mortality compared to the nation, and suffers greater socioeconomic disadvantages. This article investigates the relationship of coal mining to elevated...

Gastric cancer in a coal mining region.

A significant excess incidence of gastric cancer was previously reported in the coal mining counties of Utah for 1965-1969. A repeat study for the period 1970-1975 showed the rates to be close to expectation and are in line with the slight excess mortality reported by Creagan et al. from United States coal mining counties. A cluster of 12 cases out of 43 reported for the 11-year period occurred in 1965. Cases during 1966-1975 appear to have occurred at random by year. The previous suggestion that the high incidence of gastric cancer in Carbon and Emery Counties could be related to frequent exposure to coal-carrying hydrocarbons appears to be unwarranted.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN LONG TERM BITUMINOUS COAL PRODUCTION PROSPECTS IN EASTERN UNITED STATES

ABSTRACT The United States bituminous coal mining industry anticipates record prosperity during the next several decades as national energy demands soar to unprecedented levels. However, it is highly improbable that each of the country's numerous and diversely constituted coal producing areas will share equally, or at all, in the expansion. The objectives of this study are twofold: 1) to propose a method for differentiating between long term growth and non-growth conditions in the coal mining industry, and 2) to apply this criterion geographically in an attempt to forecast future local and regional responses to the forthcoming increase in national demands for energy. The chartist technique, involving determination of past long term coal production trends by graphic procedures, is utilized to differentiate between growth and non-growth situations among the 169 major bituminous coal mining counties (out of a total of 306 counties in which coal has been mined) in eastern United States during the period 1898–1963. Important spatial homogeneities and differences thus become apparent. Extrapolation of these local and regional trends permits an estimate to be made of the reactions of each of the 169 counties under study to the anticipated future increase in the national coal market. A total of eighty-two Appalachian and twenty-one Eastern Interior counties are rated as potentially increasing in future production, whereas a total of thirty-eight Appalachian, twenty-six Eastern Interior, and two Northern Interior counties are rated as not significantly sharing in the future expansion of coal mining. The remaining 137 counties in the three coal districts will produce only irregularly.

Infantile and Maternal Mortality in Relation to Nutrition

IN the course of investigations into the maternal and infantile death rates of different areas, carried out in connexion with the work of the Joint Council of Midwifery, it has been discovered that a hitherto unsuspected correlation between these two rates exists if they are charted in successive years instead of in the same year, the infantile rates being shown for the year preceding the maternal. It has also appeared that this correlation, which is very marked in distressed areas, and especially during years of industrial depression, is lessened and even reversed in prosperous districts and in good years. The average level of both rates is also much higher in districts in which unemployment is severe than in other areas. The maternal death rate of the five principal coal-mining counties, for example, for the years 1928–34 is 41·05 per cent higher than that prevailing in Middlesex and Essex, and for the years 1927–33 the infantile death rate is 50·98 per cent above.