Study suggests coal trains are emitting coal dust
SEATTLE — A new study by a University of Washington Bothell professor suggests coal trains are contributing to air pollution in the Northwest.
KUOW says preliminary findings released Monday night suggest trains carrying coal are emitting coal dust into the atmosphere.
Researcher Dan Jaffe measured air quality at two locations along train tracks, in the Columbia River Gorge and a Seattle neighborhood. His team found a significant increase in large particles after coal trains passed, compared with other train types.
Coal dust contains arsenic, mercury and other contaminants. Little is known about how dust from trains could impact people who live nearby.
