What Are the Main Toxic Substances Produced by Power Plants?
Coal-fired plants: Produce a variety of toxic substances including sulfur dioxide (SOâ), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), mercury, and arsenic. Natural gas plants: Emit lower levels of pollutants but still release nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). Nuclear power plants: Generate radioactive waste materials such as uranium and plutonium, which can be hazardous if not properly managed.
