These include mercury, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and nickel. Although emitted in small amounts, they are extremely toxic. Most compromise the central nervous system, fetal development or other major internal systems. Mercury, for example, can damage the nervous system, reproduction, the kidneys, and fetal development. Additional emissions result from the burning of refuse to generate electricity.
Mercury bioaccumulates in fish.
Virtually all New England states have at least one body of fresh water that is subject to a health advisory regarding the consumption of fish, due to high levels of mercury. Coal combustion also is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, which are believed to be a major factor in global climate change. Coal-fired power plants can emit more than twice as much carbon dioxide per unit of energy output than electricity produced by a new natural gas plant. Lower by up to a factor of 10 than coal-fired emissions. This is due to the chemical content of the fuel, the efficiency of the turbine, and the nearly-universal presence of advanced NOx controls.