How mercury from coal plants can cost lives
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mercury from coal-fired power plants poses significant threats to human health and the environment, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children. This neurotoxin can cause lifelong damage to organs such as the brain, lungs, and skin, with children being especially at risk of developmental impairments. Though mercury occurs naturally in rocks and fossil fuels, its release into the atmosphere through burning coal is a major source of contamination. Once airborne, it can remain for up to six months before entering water systems, where it accumulates in plants and animals, moving up the food chain and posing serious health risks.
Coal plants are the leading source of mercury pollution in the U.S., disproportionately affecting marginalized or economically disadvantaged communities near these facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that stricter air-pollution standards could save billions in healthcare costs and prevent thousands of premature deaths. However, in 2025, the U.S. administration granted coal plants two-year waivers to exceed pollution limits, including mercury emissions, citing industry harm from Biden-era regulations.
The issue is compounded by climate change, as melting permafrost releases trapped mercury and greenhouse gases. German researchers warn that nearly half of the world's mercury reserves are stored in permafrost, which could release neurotoxins as temperatures rise. Despite this, technical controls can reduce emissions by up to 85-90%, as shown by stricter regulations under the Biden administration.
Mercury exposure primarily occurs through eating fish and shellfish, where it converts
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026