What Are Fossil Fuels and Their Toxicological Impacts?
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, are primary energy sources worldwide. Their combustion releases a range of pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can have significant health effects.
- Air Pollution: The burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to air pollution, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. - Heavy Metals: Coal combustion releases heavy metals like mercury, which can accumulate in the food chain and pose risks to human health. - Greenhouse Gases: Fossil fuels are the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to climate change, which indirectly affects public health through extreme weather events and ecosystem disruptions.
