The problem Ohio residents suffer from some of the worst air quality in the nation. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that this poor air quality is in large part a result of coal-fired power plant emissions. Bad health Coal plants release sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and mercury into our air.
Sulfur dioxide is linked to respiratory disease and premature death.
Nitrogen oxides are particularly bad for our state's asthma sufferers, one-third of whom are children. Carbon dioxide threatens dramatic climate change that affects both the environment and public health. And mercury can cause serious neurological damage and birth defects. Two of these pollutants sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are regulated under federal and Ohio law. The law The federal Clean Air Act was passed to help clean up our air and protect the public health.