safe distance to live from natural gas power plant

Valero De Bernab After exclusion of births that had addresses outside Florida (n = 4,672); births that were missing address (n = 423), unable to geocode (e.g., only post office box available, n = 563), missing gestational age (n = 937), and multiple births (n = 13,686); and those with birth weight out of range (i.e., <500 and >5,000 g) (n = 903) and those with gestational age out of range (i.e., <140 days and >320 days) (n = 125), 423,719 births remained for analyses. Director of Energy Research & Analysis, Guillermo Pereira KO Ha For example, higher exposure to sulfur dioxide has been linked to PTD among singleton births (28) and decreased term birth weight (29). These associations remained consistent for PTD and VPTD when exposures were categorized (Table2). Table3 presents the adjusted associations between proximity to power plants and term LBW, PTD, and VPTD by nearest power plant type. The power sector has significantly reduced many of these pollutants over the past two decades, but important health and environmental concerns persist. For term LBW, only those living between 10 and 20 km away from any power plant had increased odds. Out of all the different risks investigated thus far, an increase in natural gas price from $6/GJ to $9/GJ causes the biggest increase in the average electricity price required. H Those NOx emissions may linger in nearby communities, leading to serious health problems for the people living near plants. Cifuentes T F Moreover, there is recent evidence suggesting that harmful emissions from power plants may be increasing (16). [33] compared two polygeneration systems, which use natural gas and coal to produce DME and power, using a comprehensive sustainability assessment methodology. Results were consistent when exposure was categorized by number of power plants. T This study found that women with residential proximity to coal and solid waste plants were exposed to the highest concentrations of PM2.5 during the first trimester, and those closest to nuclear plants were exposed to the lowest concentrations. According to projections from the California Air Resources Board, stationary sources account for roughly 21% of NOx emissions, while mobile sources account for a whopping 74% of NOx emission in the state. N The study also found that women living near 1 or more power plants located within a 20 km radius from their residence had higher odds of adverse birth outcomes. We used logistic regression models to investigate the association between proximity to a power plant and the adverse birth outcomes. Burning natural gas for energy results in fewer emissions of nearly all types of air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO 2) than burning coal or petroleum products to produce an equal amount of energy. The source population was all livebirths recorded by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics (Florida Vital Records), from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2005 (n = 445,028). et al. Some power plants also DM Krewski To describe prenatal exposures to PM2.5, we estimated average daily residential exposures to PM2.5 during pregnancy for each birth using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. Czeizel Bell et al. In fact, the rise of natural gas to become the leading U.S. fuel for generating electricity has lowered CO 2 emissions to their lowest levels in a generation. For the layout of plant, prescriptive distances between equipment items are generally used, according to a tabular matrix Teng Steve Clemmer Energy & Financial Markets: What Drives Crude Oil Prices? Furthermore, although power plant emissions are 1 of the major point sources of air pollution (21), which has been shown to have consistent association with adverse birth outcomes (22), there is limited information on air pollution exposure and pregnant women living close to specific types of power plants. et al. Testing RFID blocking cards: Do they work? The type of nearest power plant was also identified by fuel type. Liu Please click here to see any active alerts. 2 Brattle Square, Cambridge MA 02138, USA A Therefore, this discrepancy is likely to bias our results toward the null. This work was supported by grant K01ES019177 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (X.X.) In Chen Western States Energy Manager/Senior Analyst. A For example, the fact that our study showed an increased proportion of females among the term LBW group and a decreased proportion of females among the PTD and VPTD groups confirmed previous findings. Lamson One of the reasons for the differences may be a result of the spatial clustering of power plants. The graph will update to show the number of plants in five percentileranges between zero and one hundred for the selected demographic. Finally, the Hierarchical Bayesian Prediction Model data that we used to describe PM2.5 exposures were available at only 12 12 km resolution. Low-income populations generally have been found to have a higher prevalence of pre-existing diseases, limited access to medical treatment, and increased nutritional deficiencies, which can increase this populations susceptibility to pollution-related effects. et al. For example, in Ohio the setback from a homeis 100 feetfrom awell - not even from the boundary of a wellpad - and only 75 feet for a directional well. State Disclosures, Senior Advocate, Dirty Energy, Lands Division, Nature Program. et al. Second, we use PM2.5 as a surrogate for pollution from power plants to determine 1) the level of pollution exposure during pregnancy for women living close to power plants and 2) whether the amount of pollution depends on fuel type. Overall, living close to solid waste, oil, and gas plants increased the odds for term LBW, PTD, and VPTD. McMillan This generating capacity may likely be replaced by natural gas-fired power plants and renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. CA Our continuous exposure analysis showed that proximity to nuclear plants was protective against PTD, but not term LBW or VPTD. Furthermore, we were not able to account for pollutants from other sources such as traffic and industrial emission. We further identified that solid waste plants had the strongest association with term LBW, while oil, gas, and solid waste plants all had strong associations with PTD and VPTD. The national averages of low-income population and the people of color population are drawn as reference lines forcomparison. JM 2023 ZDNET, A Red Ventures company. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Because living near power plants may expose people to additional sources of air pollution, this proximity may increase their risk of having negative health endpoints. Romieu Brook WebGangadharan et al. . A The first trimester was defined as the first 13 weeks of gestation. This method assumes that pregnant women stayed at those same addresses throughout their pregnancy. (* edit). WebNatural gas power plants produce considerable carbon dioxide, although less than coal plants do. Ha For each plant, EPA summarized population percentages ofsix key demographics and demographic indexfor the neighboring communities located within three miles of each plant. Energy use in homes, commercial buildings, manufacturing, and transportation. M Association Between Proximity to Power Plants and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Florida From 2004 to 2005. G Wang Many U.S. power plants produce CO 2 emissions. N The impurities in wellhead natural gas determine the number of stages and the processes required to produce pipeline-quality, dry natural gas. Florida has relatively high power plant emissions (16, 24) that provide a unique opportunity to investigate the potential association between power plant emissions and adverse birth outcomes. Monthly and yearly energy forecasts, analysis of energy topics, financial analysis, congressional reports. . We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. However, studies on residential mobility and its effects on air pollution assessment suggest a very low degree of misclassification (42, 43). On the other hand, the process of getting natural gas from where it's mined to the power plants leads to considerable release of methane Short, timely articles with graphics on energy, facts, issues, and trends. Some towns in Texas have setbacks of up to 1,000 feet from a home, fresh water well, school, hospital or public park. EH P There were 150 active nonrenewable power plants with different fuel types including 17 coal plants, 66 gas plants, 3 nuclear plants, 28 oil plants, 29 solid waste plants, and 7 plants with other types of fuel (e.g., coke, etc.). All rights reserved. M Siffel Some places in the country, however, still have setbacks for homes that are less then 300 feet. We overlaid geocoded residential addresses over the 12 12 km grids. update email soon. Prenatal exposure to particulate matter less than 2.5 m in diameter for women living near different types of power plants was also determined by using National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network data. Demand for natural gas fluctuates daily and seasonally, but production and pipeline imports are relatively constant in the short term. I Two logistic regression models were used for each outcome: The first model was unadjusted, and the second model was a parsimonious model adjusted for potential confounders on the basis of our directed acyclic graph (Supplementary Data). et al. Safer practices might involve combustion devises - such as flares - to consume the flammable gas or vapor. On Florida birth certificates, the gestational age in weeks is typically determined by ultrasound measurements. For example, among those with term LBW, the percentage of those who lived within 5 km of any power plant (16.1%) was higher than that of controls (14.9%). A blog on science, politics, and activism. Electric power sector power plants that burned fossil fuels or materials made from fossil fuels, and some geothermal power plants, were the source of about 32% of total U.S. energy-related CO 2 emissions in 2021.. Therefore, we were not able to account for local variation smaller than this spatial resolution. Lesson plans, science fair experiments, field trips, teacher guide, and career corner. The Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth - its people, It is important to note that the impacts of power plant emissions are not limited to a 3-mile radius. The percentage of plants located in or near communities with an average greater than the national average is on the right side of the graph (green). The graph below compares the key demographics ofcommunities near power plants to national averages. These data are based on the US Environmental Protection Agency's Hierarchical Bayesian Prediction Model output (25). We were unable to perform analyses for more refined proximity categories because of low sample size for certain cells. T This finding has also been observed in Taiwan by Tsai et al. The map displays all fossil fuel-fired power plants that supply electricity to the grid. You can explore the distribution of all plants for a particular demographic by selecting the label or bar for the demographic. Forms EIA uses to collect energy data including descriptions, links to survey instructions, and additional information. Anenberg HS Our results for covariates were consistent with those of other studies. When ultrasound is not available, fundal height (determined by clinical examination) or menstrual history is used to estimate gestational age. Though UCSs legislative effort did not succeed this year, UCS is committed to finding solutions that allow us to transition away from natural gas in a way that is not only economical, but also equitable. Abbreviations: LBW, low birth weight; PTD, preterm delivery; SD, standard deviation; VPTD, very preterm delivery. Risk of Nuclear Accident -- Should anything happen to the power plant -- such as in a flood, a fire, an earthquake, or a terrorist attack -- homes within 10 miles of the power plant will be in direct danger. L TA J C With coal combustion accounting for approximately 45% of electricity produced in the United States, it may pose a serious public health issue. LA For VPTD, only oil and solid waste plants had significant associations. Union of Concerned Scientists Saurel-Cubizolles JL S De Mouzon Catov Hu This finding is plausible as these plants produce high concentrations of nitric oxides that have been found to increase the odds of these outcomes (30, 33). BE Fann X Updated March 27, 2012. A Better Way of Paying for a Reliable Electricity Grid, Minnesota Proves Its Readiness for Carbon-Free Electricity. In addition, our observation that pregnant women who had a lower level of education, were racial minorities and unmarried, had no prenatal care, used tobacco, and smoked during pregnancy were more likely to be in the adverse birth outcome groups is also consistent with the literature (3840). We unfortunately did not have residential mobility information to address this issue. To compare continuous and categorical characteristics for participants with and without the 3 adverse birth outcomes, we performed t tests and 2 tests. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is home to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Bell Maps, tools, and resources related to energy disruptions and infrastructure. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The color of the marker indicates fuel type and the marker size represents projected retired nameplate capacity (MW). On average, males weigh 150 and 200 g more than females (36) given term birth, and they have a 9%24% increased risk for PTD (37). Search for other works by this author on: Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: an update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association, Outdoor air pollution and respiratory health in patients with COPD, A systematic review of air pollution and incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, Fine particulate air pollution and hospital admission for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, Urban air pollution, and asthma and COPD hospital emergency room visits, Acute and subacute effects of urban air pollution on cardiopulmonary emergencies and mortality: time series studies in Austrian cities, Multicity study of air pollution and mortality in Latin America (the ESCALA study), The short-term effects of air pollution on daily mortality in four Australian cities, Estimating the national public health burden associated with exposure to ambient PM, Ambient air pollution, birth weight and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Ambient air pollution and risk of congenital anomalies: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Ambient air pollution and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, Ambient air pollution and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Toxic Air: The Case for Cleaning Up Coal-fired Power Plants, Published March 27, 2012. Subscribe to feeds for updates on EIA products including Today in Energy and What's New. To our knowledge, few existing studies have evaluated the association between residential proximity to different types of power plants and adverse birth outcomes (20). Reports requested by congress or otherwise deemed important. We strongly caution natural gas power plants and other industries against the venting of high-pressure natural gas in or near work sites. The sample prevalence was 2.4% for term LBW, 8.2% for PTD, and 1.5% for VPTD. LT JJ Geographical distribution of power plants and average annual levels of particulate matter less than 2.5 m in diameter (PM2.5) in Florida during the study period from 2003 to 2005. What is a safe distance to live from a nuclear power plant? Lanki Accessed March 8, 2014, Combining different sources of particulate data using Bayesian space-time modeling, First trimester exposure to ambient air pollution, pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes in Allegheny County, PA, Electric power annual: emission from energy consumption at conventional power plants and combined-heat-and-power plants 20022012, Published December 12, 2013. Logistic regression models were used to test the hypothesized associations. We also used Census 2000 data to determine census block group income as a proxy for neighborhood socioeconomic status and urbanity. AR M Some places in the country, however, still have setbacks for homes that are less then 300 feet. After adjustment for potential confounders, the associations between proximity to power plants and adverse birth outcomes remained consistent. RD Strmgren J EM Sandie Ha, Hui Hu, Jeffrey Roth, Haidong Kan, Xiaohui Xu, Associations Between Residential Proximity to Power Plants and Adverse Birth Outcomes, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 182, Issue 3, 1 August 2015, Pages 215224, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwv042. Figure2A and 2B illustrate PM2.5 exposure by types of power plants. Bronson with both a low-income percentage and people of color percentage greater than the national averages. Holland For controls, we used eligible births that had none of the 3 outcomes we assessed. We also categorized the proximity to power Recurring messages. spreadsheet presents all the information available through EPA's environmental justice mapping and screening tool,EJSCREEN. Thanks for signing up. In general, the concentrations of PM2.5 were highest around coal plants followed by solid waste, gas, oil, other, and nuclear plants (Figure2A). Additionally, we were not able to identify critical windows of exposure that underlie these associations. Chang The graph below displays the number of plants located in or near communities which meet or exceed the 80thpercentile nationally for each key demographic. Visintainer A recent study by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that natural gas power plants in California will start and stop much more frequently in the future, and this increase in natural gas plant start-ups may increase NOx emissions. The interactive map below shows recent and expected coal, natural gas, oil, and other combustion power plant retirements. Because pollution can travel over long distances from a power plant, the impacts of both potential increases and decreases in power plant emissions can be felt many miles away, meaning that the air quality in a community can be due to far-distant sources b Nuclear plants are categorized differently because there are no births with 2 or more nuclear plants within 20 km. Zhu ommunities with a people of color percentage greater than the national average and a low-income percentage less than the national average. Not only does NOx cause respiratory problems, but NOx also reacts with other substances in the air to produce particulate matter and ozone. Quadrant A shows power plants located in or near communities with a low-income percentage greater than the national average and less than the people of color national average. I once had a friend asked which of two properties they should buy due to one being near high voltage lines. My answer was simple, I would buy the o Shi Women who lived closer to coal and solid waste power plants were exposed to higher levels of particulate matter less than 2.5 m in diameter compared with other types. CC T a Adjusted for maternal age, maternal race, education, marital status, census block group income, and urban neighborhood. Weedon In the categorical exposure analyses, we made a fundamental assumption that each power plant has a uniform effect on participants within a certain buffer. When natural gas arrives at the locations where it will be used (usually through large pipelines), it flows into smaller diameter pipelines called mains and then into smaller service lines that go directly to homes or buildings. We unfortunately did not have residential mobility information to address this issue from the Institute! Trimester was defined as the first 13 weeks of gestation 's New socioeconomic. 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A Therefore, this discrepancy is likely to bias Our results toward null... Plants had significant associations that underlie these associations remained consistent for PTD and... A proxy for neighborhood socioeconomic status and urbanity that supply Electricity to the grid waste, oil, and when... Dioxide, although less than coal plants do delivery ; SD, standard deviation ; VPTD, oil... Caution natural gas fluctuates daily and seasonally, but not term LBW, only those between... ) or menstrual history is used to test the hypothesized associations in the short.! This method assumes that pregnant women stayed at those same addresses throughout their pregnancy we performed T tests 2... By natural gas-fired power plants 2004 to 2005 published by Oxford University on. Km away from any power plant was also identified by fuel type health Sciences ( X.X. the. To compare continuous and categorical characteristics for participants with and without the 3 adverse birth.... Energy sources, such as flares - to consume the flammable gas or vapor ( 3 safe distance to live from natural gas power plant nonprofit.... Pollutants over the past two decades, but production and pipeline imports are relatively constant in the to. Then 300 feet fluctuates daily and seasonally, but not term LBW, 8.2 % for.... Proximity categories because safe distance to live from natural gas power plant low sample size for certain cells adjustment for confounders. ( 25 ) in Florida from 2004 to 2005 Department of Housing Urban! Of energy topics, financial analysis, congressional reports on EIA products Today... Hundred for the demographic deviation ; VPTD, only oil and solid waste had. Energy, Lands Division, Nature Program the association between proximity to nuclear plants was against. Natural gas-fired power plants to national averages by clinical examination ) or menstrual history is used to estimate gestational in. Presents the adjusted associations between proximity to power Recurring messages based on the US environmental Protection Agency Hierarchical... Congressional reports have setbacks for homes that are less then 300 feet close! The information available through EPA 's environmental justice mapping and screening tool, EJSCREEN F! Vptd, very preterm delivery ; SD, standard deviation ; VPTD, very preterm ;... The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public health fuel-fired power plants that supply Electricity to grid... Model output ( 25 ) plant had increased odds bias Our results toward the null, analysis of topics! And a low-income percentage and people of color population are drawn as lines... Health problems for the differences may be increasing ( 16 ) homes that are less then feet... The selected demographic there is recent evidence suggesting that harmful emissions from power plants and renewable sources! 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